The future of Ilkay Gundogan has remained a hot topic in the transfer market, as Barcelona, among others, look to rope in the Manchester City midfielder in the coming summer.
Gundogan’s current contract at Etihad expires at the end of the season, meaning he will become a free agent in the summer. This has made him an appealing target for Barça. However, the Catalans are facing many roadblocks in their bid to sign the player.
According to Diario AS, Barcelona fear Gundogan might renew his contract at Manchester City. The Premier League champions want to keep hold of the services, with Pep Guardiola publicly expressing his desire to renew the midfielder’s contract.
Gundogan himself is enjoying his life at Man City, especially after having been made the captain of the team. He has led the side to FA Cup and PL titles this season and could be on the verge of securing a historic tremble when Man City take on Inter Milan in the Champions League final this month.
Barcelona believe there is an emotional attachment between Gundogan and Manchester City that might just convince the player to renew his deal at Etihad.
The Catalans have tried to lure the player by offering him a longer contract. But there lies another problem. The club must come to terms with the Financial Fair Play regulations before they can sanction a move for the German international.
Barcelona’s failure to meet FFP regulations played a key role in the botched pursuit of Lionel Messi this summer. And the situation could replicate itself in the case of Gundogan.
The report suggests the German international could decide his future soon after the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan this Saturday.
