Ilkay Gundogan Set to Join Barcelona on a Two-Year Deal
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to become a free agent at the end of the month following the expiration of his contract at Eastlands. However, reports suggest that the Germany international has already agreed to join Spanish giants Barcelona on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
Gundogan was offered a new one-year deal at the Etihad but snubbed the offer in order to move onto pastures new. The 32-year-old was instrumental in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season – in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He scored a superb volley after just 12 seconds in the FA Cup final against Manchester United earlier this month.
Barcelona’s reported snapping up of Gundogan will be a hammer blow to City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was hoping to lure the City fan favourite to the Emirates this summer to boost his side’s chances of Prem glory next season.
Gundogan has agreed to join Barcelona to win a third domestic title in as many countries. He has already won titles in Germany with Borussia Dortmund and in England with Manchester City. The midfielder is expected to be a key player for Barcelona as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season that saw them finish third in La Liga and crash out of the Champions League in the last 16.
The move to Barcelona will also see Gundogan link up with his former Dortmund teammate, Marc Bartra. The two players were part of the Dortmund team that reached the Champions League final in 2013, where they were beaten by Bayern Munich.
Gundogan’s move to Barcelona is expected to be officially announced soon, with the player set to join up with his new teammates for pre-season training. The midfielder will be hoping to make an immediate impact at the Nou Camp and help Barcelona return to their former glory.
Conclusion
Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona is set to be one of the biggest transfers of the summer. The midfielder has agreed to join the Spanish giants on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The move will be a hammer blow to Manchester City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal, who were hoping to sign the German international this summer. Gundogan will be hoping to make an immediate impact at the Nou Camp and help Barcelona return to their former glory.