Ilkay Gundogan Barcelona transfer done deal: Barcelona officially announced the arrival of Gundogan, having agreed a contract until 2025. The midfielder left Manchester City as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract. Barcelona have also added the option to extend the contract until 2026 for the player, which can be activated later.
The Germany international captained Manchester City to a historic treble this past season. He had been offered a renewal by the club as well, but has decided to pursue a new challenge in the form of a move to Barcelona. The midfielder also had an offer from Arsenal and a contract offer from Saudi Arabia as well. But, he has decided that his future lies in Catalonia with the La Liga champions.
Gundogan becomes the latest Manchester City player to sign for Barcelona, after the likes of Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero.
Ilkay Gundogan Barcelona transfer confirmed
The 32-year-old has won the Premier League five times with Manchester City and the FA Cup twice, while winning the Carabao Cup four times. The midfielder joined City in 2016 after spending five years with Borussia Dortmund, as Pep Guardiola’s first signing at City.
Seven years later, he has won every available trophy with the Sky Blues and is leaving as a club legend. Ilkay Gundogan was not only a huge presence in midfield, but also had a striker’s instinct in Guardiola’s system, which helped him score some crucial goals – including the one that won them the 2022 Premier League title.
After a historic season with the club, he has decided to leave on a high note and will do so on the back of a remarkable individual season as well. Gundogan scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 51 games across all competitions this season. As a result, there is optimism that he will be able to provide a similar influence under Xavi at Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan Barcelona transfer confirmed: Do City already have a replacement?
Kalvin Phillips is almost like a new signing for Guardiola, with the England international barely playing due to injury this past season. He is expected to play more often now that Gundogan will be moving on this summer.
Moreover, Manchester City have also agreed a £30 million deal to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. The Croatian will also serve as a replacement for Gundogan, although while possessing a different skill set to the German.
An official announcement confirming both deals is expected soon, once the formalities have been completed.
