Ilkay Gundogan Set to Join Barcelona on Free Transfer
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has agreed to join Barcelona this summer, according to widespread reports in Spain. The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month but has not been short of offers with Arsenal, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund all registering their interest.
Pep Guardiola Desperate to Keep Gundogan at Manchester City
Pep Guardiola was desperate to keep Gundogan at Manchester City as the midfielder played a key role in the club’s treble success last season. But according to multiple reports in Spain, Gundogan has verbally agreed to join Barcelona and will sign a three-year contract. Barca’s director of football, Mateu Alemany, travelled to Munich on Wednesday in order to finalise the club’s agreement with Gundogan. It’s understood that the midfielder has already completed some parts of his medical in Germany ahead of his move to the Spanish champions.
Arsenal, Dortmund Also Showed Interest in Gundogan
Arsenal had offered Gundogan a two-year contract, while Dortmund also held talks with Gundogan’s representatives but opted not to make an offer for their former player. Gundogan had sought assurances from Barca over his registration with La Liga but the Spanish club have given a guarantee to the midfielder.
Pep Guardiola Praises Barcelona for ‘Extraordinary Signing’
Speaking earlier this week, Guardiola claimed Barcelona would have an ‘extraordinary signing’ if they convinced Gundogan to make the move to Camp Nou this summer. ‘I wish he can stay with us,’ Guardiola said. ‘But if at the end Gundogan decides to join Barcelona I can only say they will do an extraordinary signing. I know Xavi has spoken a lot of times with Gundogan. He has not told me whether he prefers to stay or leave. We just got time to celebrate a lot recently!’
Conclusion
It looks like Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Barcelona this summer on a free transfer. The 32-year-old midfielder has been a key part of Manchester City’s success over the past few seasons and Pep Guardiola was desperate to keep him at the club. However, it appears that Gundogan has opted for a move to Barcelona and will sign a three-year contract with the Spanish giants. Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund were also interested in signing Gundogan but it looks like he has chosen Barcelona as his next destination.