Ilkay Gundogan has made his way to Manchester, edging closer to a surprising return to Manchester City. The midfielder is on the verge of reuniting with Pep Guardiola’s team after spending just a year in Spain with Barcelona. Gundogan is expected to sign a one-year deal with City, with the possibility of extending for another year. During a 50-minute meeting at Guardiola’s own restaurant, Tast Catala, the 33-year-old player discussed his return to City with Guardiola and chief executive Ferran Soriano. Fans were even lucky enough to see Soriano helping them take photos with the club legend during their visit. Gundogan had previously signed a two-year contract with Barcelona, where he played 51 matches and netted five goals last season.

Ilkay Gundogan has landed in Manchester with intentions to reunite with Pep Guardiola’s team.

Gundogan is set to make a comeback to Manchester City after spending only one season playing for Barcelona.

Gundogan met up with Pep Guardiola at the City manager’s restaurant, Tast Catala, for a discussion.

Gundogan happily stopped to take photos with fans outside Tast, joined by City CEO Ferran Soriano. Barcelona is still facing financial struggles, causing delays in registering their new signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig. Although Gundogan’s departure wouldn’t solve all of Barcelona’s financial issues, it could certainly assist. City is excited to have Gundogan back, adding depth to their midfield options. Highly regarded by manager Pep Guardiola, Gundogan was the first player signed by City in 2016. In his successful eight-year stint with City, Gundogan played 304 games, scoring 60 goals and contributing 38 assists. He played a key role in City’s trophy-filled period, including winning the Champions League, five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and four League Cups. Gundogan served as club captain during City’s treble-winning season in 2022-23 before leaving. Savinho from Troyes was City’s first summer signing, making Gundogan their second addition for the upcoming season.

Gundogan is on his way back to City after a year apart, reuniting with Guardiola.

In 2022, Sara, Gundogan’s spouse, expressed her dissatisfaction with the dining options available in Manchester.

Nevertheless, Sara recently expressed her feelings of sadness when it came to the prospect of leaving Manchester.

Gundogan led City to an impressive treble victory in the 2022-23 season. However, his wife Sara Arfaoui expressed her dissatisfaction with the food in Manchester, claiming there were no good dining options in the city. Originally from France but raised in Italy, Sara took to Instagram to lament the lack of authentic Italian, good sushi, or fresh food in the area, emphasizing that everything seemed to be frozen. She criticized the focus on drinks and shots in Manchester restaurants rather than quality food, contrasting it with eateries in London. Sara also shared her struggle with adapting to life in Manchester, initially feeling isolated until she made friends and established her own routine. She reflected on the challenges of the football lifestyle, where sudden moves and farewells to loved ones are common occurrences. The manager at Guardiola’s Tast restaurant declined to comment on Sara’s remarks.