Manchester City completes Gundogan signing from Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City has begun its transformation under Pep Guardiola, announcing Thursday the signing of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £20-million fee.

The deal will come into effect once the summer transfer window opens on July 1.

Gundogan is now tied to Etihad Stadium for the next four years.

"I'm thrilled to have signed for Manchester City," said the 25-year-old, who is expected to miss the first few games of the season with a knee injury. "When I learned of City's interest, my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly.

"I have loved my time with Borussia Dortmund and I would like to thank the club and the supporters for the five very happy years I spent there. They gave me a platform to play on and I became a better player because of the belief, patience, and trust they showed in me."

Gundogan added that the opportunity to play under Guardiola was something he couldn't pass up.

"Guardiola asked me to go to Manchester and convinced me with his philosophy," the Germany international said on Twitter.

His deal with Dortmund was set to expire next summer, and instead of watching yet another player leave the Westfalenstadion on a free transfer, the German club opted to make the transaction.

A versatile midfielder who can operate as a deep-lying playmaker as well as a tough-tackling pivot, Gundogan immediately brings spirit and energy to a midfield that often looked slow and uninspiring in Manuel Pellegrini's final season in charge. He is a suitable replacement for Yaya Toure, whose future with the club is undecided after a forgettable campaign.

Despite Gundogan's injury troubles - he has suffered various back, foot, and ankle problems over the past few years - City has indicated that he's "recovering well" from his recent knee surgery.