As reported just a while ago, Ilkay Gundogan has signed his contract with FC Barcelona and will join the La Liga champions on a free transfer, even though an official announcement is yet to arrive.
It is reported that the German international will be signing a two-year contract with an option for an additional twelve months with the Blaugrana, while earning gross wages worth €9 million per year.
Gundogan signed his contract with Barcelona in Munich today after completing his medicals there itself.
Manchester City made strong efforts to try and convince their departing captain to sign a new contract and prolong his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
However, according to a report from journalist Helena Condis, Manchester City’s renewal offer of one year with an option for another twelve months left Gundogan feeling disrespected.
The 32-year-old joined the Cityzens in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund, becoming Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad.
Since then, he has grown into an icon at Manchester City, winning a bucketload of titles and trophies, including the historic treble this past season.
Gundogan has etched his name in City’s folklore as a top player and captain and it seems that he felt disrespected by the fact that the club were willing to offer him only a one-year contract with an option for another season.
Now, the German international is on his way to Barcelona, where he will add more quality to a midfield department already consisting of top talents like Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Franck Kessie.
The La Liga champions are bound to be pleased with the transfer business, signing a top player like Gundogan with great experience for free. Having also added Inigo Martinez and Mikayil Faye, Barça will now be hoping to complete the capture of Vitor Roque soon.