Ilkay Gundogan is finally within Barcelona’s reach as the protracted saga is nearing its climax. The Catalans have been gunning for the signature of Manchester City’s captain for a while now, and a decision regarding his future is said to be made public very shortly.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the German midfielder, whose contract with Manchester City is coming to an end, is closer than ever to joining Barça on a free transfer and may be registered conveniently as well.
Negotiating sources are optimistic that Gündogan will soon become a new reinforcement for FC Barcelona, despite the fact that Barcelona still do not take his arrival for granted. In fact, they accept the possibility that the deal will be closed today itself.
Moreover, the supposed element of Financial Fair Play would not be a hurdle because as soon as he completes his signing, the Blaugrana can afford to register him directly in La Liga, addressing a major concern that the 32-year-old had.
Barcelona have pursued Gundogan, whose market value stands at €20 million, for quite a while now. Such interest in the player unsurprisingly sat well with the player as he looks forward to a new challenge.
In spite of receiving far more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, the Premier League, and, of course, City’s own insistence, Xavi’s talks with the player have proven to be key.
Gundogan, at 32 years of age, does not have substantial longevity at the elite level, but after the exceptionally successful season he had at City, it is no surprise to see the club push for his renewal. The opportunity to join Arsenal’s promising project also presented itself, but the German seems to be set to join Barcelona.
Some reports in Spain are even suggesting that Gundogan has passed his medicals already, although Javi Miguel has stated that Barcelona have denied those claims.
But, as things stand, Gundogan’s signing appears to be getting closer and could be finalised as early as today.
