Ilkay Gundogan signs autographs as Man City icon meets Pep Guardiola at boss’ Manchester restaurant to seal transfer

ILKAY GUNDOGAN has arrived back in England ahead of sealing his free transfer to Manchester City from Barcelona.

The midfielder was pictured signing autographs for fans after returning to Manchester.

Eamonn and James ClarkeIlkay Gundogan has arrived back in England ahead of his Manchester City return[/caption]

Eamonn and James ClarkeGundogan signed autographs for fans as he prepares to complete a free transfer from Barcelona[/caption]

He was spotted leaving a restaurant where he met City manager Pep Guardiola.

The pair held a 50-minute meeting at TAST Restaurant in Manchester, which is owned by the Spaniard.

The Premier League champions have seen off rival interest from Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

It comes just over a year after he left for Barcelona last summer following seven years in England.

Gundogan signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 before going on to make 304 appearances for City.

Across those matches, the German scored 60 goals and provided 38 assists as well as serving as captain in his final season.

He also won 14 trophies including the treble during the 2022/23 campaign.

Just 12 months after moving to Barca on a free, though, he has all but left the Spanish giants.

Gundogan leads a fire-sale at the club with up to 10 players expected to leave before the transfer window closes.

During his time in Spain, he made 51 appearances for Barcelona, scoring five goals.

As well as his imminent City return, Gundogan’s international future has also been finalised this week.

The 33-year-old announced his retirement from Germany duty after winning 82 caps and scoring 19 goals for his country.

He is now set to become Guardiola’s second signing of the summer.

City have already added Brazilian winger Savinho to their ranks after bringing him to the club from French side Troyes.