According to the cover page of SPORT on Monday, March 27, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is getting closer to joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The 32-year-old will be offered a two-year contract and there is optimism that an agreement can be reached.
Gundogan is in the final few months of his contract at Manchester City, meaning he will be a free agent at the end of the season. It has caught the attention of Barça, who are in the market for reinforcements in the middle of the park.
The uncertainty surrounding Sergio Busquets’ future, coupled with the concerns around Pedri’s injury record have compelled Barcelona to look into the signing of a new midfielder and Gundogan appears to be the frontrunner to arrive at Camp Nou.
Recent reports had suggested that the German international was tempted by the prospect of playing for the Catalan heavyweights. In fact, it had also been reported that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez had already held talks with the veteran midfielder.
And now, it appears that the deal could be getting closer and closer. As per the report, Gundogan will likely be offered a two-year contract by Barça, which will undoubtedly be with a lower wage than what he currently earns at Man City, given the Catalans’ financial situation.
Despite that, there is a sense of optimism within the club that an agreement can be reached with the former Borussia Dortmund ace over a summer transfer.
Manchester City, for their part, have reportedly given up hope of retaining Gundogan and believe that he will be signing for Barcelona at the end of the season.
Things seem to be moving in the right direction for the Blaugrana with regard to their efforts to sign the 32-year-old midfielder. They must, however, deal with the Financial Fair Play issues before the signing can be completed.
