Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona will go down as one of the ongoing summer transfer window’s best deals. After all, the German midfielder was the captain of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning Manchester City, and his signing did not cost the Blaugranas a penny in transfer fees.
With Pedri Gonzalez, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and now Gundogan under his command, Xavi Hernandez has no shortage of midfield options heading into the new season.
The Catalans are set to return to training tomorrow, but not all the players will return from day one. According to reports from Javi Miguel, Gundogan will be seen in the garnet-and-blue colours for the first time only on the 18th of July.
After all, he is coming off a hectic end to the 2022-23 season. The German international played all 90 minutes of Manchester City’s UCL final against Inter Milan on the 10th of June and immediately joined the German National team for the international break.
Gundogan even played 79 minutes of Germany’s game against Colombia and thus concluded his season only on the 20th of June. It is only fair that he receives at least a month-long hiatus before he returns to action.
The 32-year-old’s presentation at Catalonia may be delayed, but he is still expected to be a part of the preseason campaign later this month. Barcelona only play their first game in the United States of America on the 22nd of this month, giving him sufficient time to gel into his new team.
Earlier this month, Gundogan opened up about his dream to play in the Azulgrana colours as part of his farewell letter to Manchester City. Needless to say, the Barcelona-faithful are equally looking forward to his swift incorporation.
“If I was going to move, there is only one club in the world that made sense. It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt someday.”
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