Will Man City’s Gündogan join Barcelona? LaLiga giants optimistic

Ilkay Gündogan appears to be very close to signing for Barcelona. Asked by AS today whether the out-of-contract Manchester City star will end up at the Camp Nou, one member of Xavi Hernández’s backroom team replied: “It’s looking really good.”

This air of optimism is in stark contrast to the atmosphere that has surrounded the deal at Barça in the past few days. Certainly, recent confirmation that City have made Gündogan an improved contract offer did little to inspire Blaugrana confidence that the Germany international will move to the Catalan capital.

Barça pushing for Gündogan deal after agent call

However, there was a new twist in the saga today, when Gündogan’s agent got in touch with Barça to ask whether the LaLiga giants believe they could get a transfer sorted by the end of June. In response, Barça assured the player’s representative that a deal can be done in that timeframe.

The Spanish champions are now working hard to take Gündogan to the Camp Nou next week. The midfielder, 32, would sign a three-year Barça deal with a release clause set at €500 million.

The club have, however, moved to deny claims that the former Borussia Dortmund player has been undergoing a Barça medical in Germany today.

Xavi a central figure in Barça’s Gündogan chase

Head coach Xavi has played a key role in Barça’s attempts to lure the Champions League winner to the club. Three months ago, the 43-year-old got confirmation from Gündogan that he would like to move to Barcelona, and in the weeks since he has kept in regular contact to consolidate his relationship with the player.

Were Gündogan to arrive at Barça, the club would be securing the services of a highly versatile operator, with the German able to operate in attacking midfield and on either side of a central three. Gündogan’s presence in the squad would give the injury-prone Pedri greater opportunities to rest and, potentially, avoid suffering as many physical setbacks.