Ilkay Gundogan: Man City star has made up his mind to join Barcelona – sources
Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is now expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and the Spanish giants are growing increasingly confident that they can lure him to Nou Camp in the summer.
It is understood that City have offered Gundogan a new deal to stay at the club, but talks with the German international have made very little progress and a move to La Liga now seems inevitable.
The Premier League champions do not want to lose him this summer, with manager Pep Guardiola a big admirer of Gundogan’s experience, leadership and consistency.
But the City boss also does not want to stand in the way of Gundogan exiting the club after he has been such a loyal servant to the club over the last seven years.
Gundogan was Guardiola’s first-ever signing as City boss, with the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder making a £20million move to Manchester in 2016.
He has gone on to make 293 appearances for the Premier League club, scoring 54 goals and assisting 38 times.
During his seven years at the club, he has helped the side win four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four EFL Cups.
Gundogan was also elected to become the club captain for the 2022/23 season by his own teammates after the departure of Fernandinho.
He has remained a key part of Guardiola’s system, with 40 appearances to his name this season already.
Gundogan has appeared in every Champions League clash this campaign and only missed three Premier League matches for the reigning champions.
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