Barcelona are set to finalise a free transfer deal for Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan imminently, according to a report from 90min.
Gundogan was reportedly given an offer to remain at the Etihad Stadium by the club – however, he has instead opted to join the Catalonian giants for the 2023/24 season.
It is believed that a move to Barcelona was always Gundogan’s preferred option in the matter – he had reportedly been in talks with them for several months.
Due to this, Gundogan will leave City and join Barcelona on a free transfer when his current contract expires on June 30. Previously, he had been linked with a move to Arsenal and his former club Borussia Dortmund before settling in the decision to join Barcelona.
Will Manchester City miss Ilkay Gundogan?
Last season, Gundogan established himself as not only one of the best players in Manchester City’s star-studded squad, but as one of the best players in the Premier League.
He had always been an underrated players, but in the 2022/23 campaign, his extensive talents were finally recognised and shown off on the highest stage.
Due to this, to suggest that Manchester City will not miss the services of Gundogan is simply false – but they do have plenty of time to seek out an adequate replacement for the player.
Ilkay Gundogan football career summary
Born in 1990, Gundogan had an eclectic youth career – he spent time in the academies of SV Gelsenkirchen-Hessler 06, SSV Buer, Schalke and VfL Bochum before signing his first senior contract in 2009 with FC Nürnberg.
In 2011, he moved to Borussia Dortmund, where he played under Jurgen Klopp. He helped guide the club to the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal during his first season with the Black and Yellows.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, Gundogan put together a trophy cabinet that would make even the most decorated of players blush. He has won five Premier League trophies, two FA Cups, four League Cups and most recently the, Champions League trophy.
He has also won numerous caps for his native Germany. So far, he has made 67 international appearances for Die Mannschaft, scoring 17 goals.