Systems and methods are provided for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in a vehicle. In one example, a system may include a cylinder head including an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM), an EGR cartridge including an EGR valve positioned in the cylinder head at a central collector region of the IEM, and a water jacket formed within the cylinder head, the water jacket including at least one cooling passage that extends around a circumference of the EGR cartridge. In this way, an EGR system is provided that has a reduced volume between an exhaust valve of a cylinder to the EGR valve, reducing packaging space and complexity of the EGR system while increasing engine performance.