What can Gundogan bring upon Man City return?published at 17:23 23 August
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
![Ilkay Gundogan with Champions League trophy](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/640/cpsprodpb/9a25/live/df381360-5fdd-11ef-8b3a-855e585a4dd6.jpg.webp)
It is often said you shouldn't go back.
And when things were as good as they were for Ilkay Gundogan during his first Manchester City spell, that sentiment may ring even more true.
But, after rejoining on a one-year deal, the midfielder will be doing just that. Could it be a stroke of genius by the club and player, or a decision ruled by heart over head?
Gundogan spent a trophy-laden seven years with City and could not have asked for a better way to sign off before joining Barcelona last summer than captaining City to the treble in 2022-23.
He played 304 times for the club and, having played in both attacking and defensive midfield roles, scored 60 goals.
A man for the big moments, perhaps four of his most memorable came in two games; he scored a double against Aston Villa to help secure the 2021-22 Premier League title and two against Manchester United to win the 2022-23 FA Cup final.
He also racked up 37 assists for the side from a total of 396 chances created.
A real midfield maestro, nobody completed more passes for City than Gundogan's 15,821 between joining the club in 2016 and leaving in June 2023.
It is understandable why manager Pep Guardiola did not want the Germany international to leave last year when his contract expired, but the club were unwilling to offer Gundogan the contract length he wanted.
Barcelona were to be the beneficiaries and the former Borussia Dortmund player proved to still be a valuable asset, scoring five goals and making 14 assists in his 51 appearances.
The Spanish club's financial difficulties have provided the path for a Gundogan-Guardiola reunion, and the questions will now be asked about whether he can still be as valuable an asset to City and who would make way for him.
When available, Euro 2024 winner Rodri is almost a guaranteed starter, while Mateo Kovacic - three years Gundogan's junior - showed his value in City's opening league win over Chelsea.
But there is little doubt that Gundogan still has the quality to help the defending Premier League champions and add to the 14 major honours already achieved with the club.