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.

Ilkay Gundogan has arrived back in England ahead of his Manchester City return

Gundogan signed autographs for fans as he prepares to complete a free transfer from Barcelona

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.

City have agreed terms with Gundogan ahead of a dramatic return to the Etihad Stadium.

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 following seven years in England.

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

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.

He made 51 appearances for Barcelona when he was in Spain, tallying five goals.

This week has also seen the conclusion of Gundogan’s international career in addition to his impending return to City.

The 33-year-old, who has 82 caps and 19 goals for his nation, declared his retirement from Germany service.

He will now likely be Guardiola’s second summer acquisition.

Brazilian winger Savinho, who joined City from Troyes in France, is already a member of the team.