Ilkay Gundogan leaves Man City and signs a two-year contract with Barcelona including a £340m release clause.
After seven years at Etihad, Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona. The German International has agreed a two-year deal that runs until the end of 2024/25 with a further option of a one year extension.
Gundogan scored 60 goals in 304 appearances for Man City. Additionally, he played a key role in their treble success last season.
On his farewell letter to Man City, the 32-year-old wrote, “been a total privelege and pleasure to be part of Man City for the last seven years. I would like to thank Pep. To have been able to play under and learn from him for so long has been something I will never forget”.
“I would also like to thank all my team-mates – past and present. They have played such a special part in making my time here so amazing. Also incredible City fans. I owe them all so much for their support. I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue.”
Barcelona won the La Liga last season. However, they struggled in Europe. They were knocked out of the Europa League in a last 16 play off by Man Utd.
Despite that, Xavi, Barca’s coach hopes Gundogan’s trophy-winning pedigree can add to a side whose rival Real Madrid have also strenghtened in midfield by signing Jude Bellingham.
After making his name as a solid and well-rounded midfielder with Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan developed into a regular scorer at City. He even topped the club’s goal charts in 2020/21.
He had been offered a one year contract extension at City. Instead, he opted to join Barca after negotiations with Xavi.
His former side tweeted their ‘thanks’ for Gundogan’s ‘hugely successful stay’ at the club and pointed to the ‘unforgettable moments’ he provided.
He will enter a midfield that is not short on talent. The likes of Gavi and Pedri are among the highest rated young midfielders in world football. But after club legend Sergio Busquets left the club for Inter Miami, the German could play an important mentoring role.
The Premier League champions have already taken some precautions against Gundgoan’s exit, with Chelsea and Croatia stat Mateo Kovacic expected to undergo a medical at the club ahead of a £25m move.
He may play in a deeper role, but Declan Rice is another midfielder targeted by City as they look to make it four Premier League titles in a row, with the club currently seeking assurances that the West Ham wants to join them before making a £100m bid.
City are also looking to bring in RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol as the £86m-rated defender is seen as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte, who is expected to leave this summer.
Gundogan will be missed at the Etihad.