Ilkay Gundogan Transfer: Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move away from Manchester City for some time now. The Man City captain’s contract expires at the end of this month. He has not renewed his contract with them and could be leaving the club soon. The player has received interests from both Arsenal and Barcelona. About Barcelona’s endeavor to bring in the talented midfielder, Man City coach Pep Guardiola has said that if Gundogan leaves for Barcelona, “he will enjoy himself”.
Ilkay Gundogan has been an integral part of the Manchester City team that won the treble in the 2022-23 season. The captain scored a total of 11 goals and provided 7 assists that season throughout all competitions. His contract with Man City expires at the end of June, this year. He has not signed a new contract with them yet even though coach Pep Guardiola is keen on retaining the player. In the midst of this, Gundogan has been linked with Barcelona and their Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Coach Pep Guardiola has said time and again that he wants the 32-year-old to stay at Man City. During the Puma Legends golf tournament, Pep Guardiola was asked regarding the player’s future and echoed the words another time. He told ESPN, “We are interested in renewing his contract and Barcelona are also interested. I hope he stays with us. We are still fighting for him to stay with us. He is a player we want to stay – and we will do all we can – but we know Barca want him.”
He added, “If Barca sign him, they will have a spectacular footballer on their hands. I am aware Xavi has called him a lot. If, in the end, he picks Barca, I will tell him he will enjoy himself.” Barcelona have been trying to bring the player to Camp Nou for some time now. Pep Guardiola previously said that Barcelona coach Xavi has called Gundogan to convince him for the move. Gundogan is yet to decide on his future and has not given an answer to anyone.
In their endeavor to shave off their wage bill to stabilize their financial situation, Barcelona are letting some of their players go. They have already said goodbye to two of their veterans – Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. After losing such a key midfielder, they are looking for a replacement. Gundogan does not fit the profile exactly as Busquets’ replacement. However, considering the fact that Barcelona will have to strengthen their team to give tough competition in Europe, Gundogan will be the perfect addition to their squad.
There was also a rumour that Gundogan could opt for a move back to Borussia Dortmund. He joined Man City in 2016 after spending 5 years at the German club. However, when he was asked about the possibility of him returning to Dortmund, he said that returning to Bundesliga is not in his plans. He said, “There was contact between [Dortmund’s sporting director] Sebastian Kehl and my agent. I can say that. But it was not very likely. To return in the Bundesliga was not my plan.”
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