PREMIER LEAGUE
Barcelona “in talks” to sign Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan for next season
Gündogan’s agent has reportedly been spotted in Barcelona with the Catalans’ sporting directors; the Manchester City man is available for free.
Barcelona take on Manchester United on Thursday (kickoff at 12:45 p.m ET) at Camp Nou in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round tie but some transfer news has also come to light related to the Catalans and United’s neighbours Manchester City.
According to Gerard Romero of Jijantes, City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan’s agent met with Barça sporting directors on Thursday morning to discuss the German moving to Camp Nou on a free transfer for next season.
Gündogan out of contract at Manchester City
The former Borussia Dortmund man’s contract ends in June, which means he is free to talk with other clubs should he wish to do so. Romero claims that Gündogan’s arrival in Barcelona is a “very realistic possibility” as they look to strengthen their roster in the summer. More ins and outs are expected to ensure Xavi Hernández goes into the next season with an improved group of players to work with.
The English press have speculated on Barça’s intentions to make a move for the player for several months and Thursday’s meeting between the two parties has seen the Catalans step up their interest, which is a blow for City and coach Pep Guardiola, for whom Gündogan continues to be an key player.
How much does Ilkay Gündogan earn at Manchester City?
The German has played 2,182 minutes across 31 games this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. Despite his importance to the team, the Citizens have been able to convince Gündogan to sign a new deal, with reports suggesting the club is unwilling to offer him a pay rise. According to Capology, a website specialising in soccer salaries and finances, the midfielder earns €8.2 million per year.
Gündogan the perfect fit for Barcelona
In the context of Barcelona’s well-documented financial difficulties, Gündogan would be an ideal signing for the club given that they wouldn’t have to pay a transfer fee. But they also believe the Germany international would be an excellent fit in a tactical sense, especially as he has played more than 200 games under Guardiola.
And there is already a familiar face for Gündogan in the Barcelona dressing room in the shape of Robert Lewandowski; the duo played 77 games together at Dortmund earlier in their careers.