FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - JUNE 19: Ilkay Guendogan of Germany reacts during press conference at DFB-Campus on June 19, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
Barcelona reach agreement with Ilkay Gundogan
Ilkay Gundogan of passes the ball during the friendly match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at Camp Nou on August 24, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Despite their economic situation, Barcelona is making some moves during this summer transfer window.
One of their top priorities was to sign another creative midfielder and it looks like they’ve got their man as the Catalan side has reportedly reached an agreement with Ilkay Gundogan.
The now former Manchester City player signed a two-year contract with an option for a third. He is set to earn a salary of €9 million gross per season.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1671558716594745345
According to reports, the third year is dependent on his participation during the second year. In other words, if he plays a certain amount of matches, or minutes, then the third year will vest.
After winning the Champions League with Manchester City, Gundogan had two options on the table. The one from Barcelona and the one from Man City.
City initially was only offering a one-year deal but Gundogan wanted a bit more security. He got it with Barcelona’s offer and chose the Blaugrana even after the English giants improved their terms.
Manager Xavi Hernandez appears to have played an important role in his signing, promising the German midfielder he would be an important part of his set-up.
Given the amount of games the likes of Pedri and Gavi have played — and the amount of time the former has been out injured — it’s not hard to see Gundogan starting regularly at Barcelona. He gives Xavi another creative outlet in midfield, something he was lacking when Pedri was out.
His experience is also going to be helpful as he’s been part of a team that has won a treble and is accustomed to making deep runs in the Champions League.
Becoming a force in the Champions League again is one of Xavi’s objectives ahead of next season and they believe signing Gundogan could be a key part in that. He was instrumental down the stretch for City in both the Premier League and Champions League.
He arrives as a free agent and is set to be the club’s third signing behind Iñigo Martinez and Mikayil Faye.
