Ilkay Gündogan will sign for Barcelona on a free transfer, ending Manchester City’s hopes of keeping the influential midfielder. The 32‑year‑old, who was captain and a pivotal figure in City’s treble‑winning side – scoring twice in the FA Cup final – has agreed a two-year deal with Barça, with an option for a further year. Gündogan’s contract at City was due to expire at the end of the month.
City understand that Gündogan reached the agreement to join Barcelona and he leaves with the champions’ blessing and respect. They offered the German a new one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months but his wage demands plus the Catalan club offering him three years means City are comfortable with him departing, given their midfield options.
