Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City, is all set to make a move to Barcelona on a free transfer. The 32-year-old German midfielder had the option of a new contract with Manchester City but instead decided to engage in negotiations for a more financially rewarding three-year deal with the reigning Spanish champions.
Gundogan played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s triumphant season, contributing significantly to the club’s Treble victory. He showcased his skills in 51 matches throughout the 2022-23 season, netting 11 goals.
His impact was particularly evident during the final weeks, where he scored an impressive six goals in the last seven games, including a brace in the FA Cup final against arch-rivals Manchester United. Additionally, Gundogan played the entire 90 minutes in the Champions League final, where Manchester City secured a 1-0 win against Inter Milan.
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Although Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his desire to retain Gundogan and mentioned ongoing negotiations by the club’s director, Txiki Begiristain, the midfielder ultimately chose to bid farewell to the club.
Gundogan’s departure from Manchester City follows their recent agreement with Chelsea to acquire the services of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, for a reported fee of £30 million. Gundogan initially joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, for a fee believed to be around £20 million.
Over his seven-year tenure at the club, he made 304 appearances, scored 60 goals, and claimed an impressive haul of 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, and two Community Shields. Following the departure of Fernandinho, Gundogan took on the role of club captain at the beginning of the 2022-23 season.
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For Manchester City, the decision ultimately boiled down to financial considerations. While the club was keen on retaining Gundogan, they were unable to match the financial terms put forth by Barcelona.
Manchester City proposed a one-year contract with a potential extension for another season, whereas Barcelona offered an additional year on top of that.
Despite Gundogan’s departure, Manchester City continues to be an appealing destination for players due to the presence of manager Pep Guardiola and the team’s recent success. The club consistently attracts top-notch talent, as evident from the impending signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
Gundogan’s contributions to Manchester City will always be cherished, and he will join the ranks of esteemed players like David Silva, Yaya Toure, and Vincent Kompany, who left an indelible mark on the club.
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