Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly likely to sign a new contract with Manchester City, thus snubbing a potential move to Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Ilkay Gundogan will likely continue his stint with Manchester City. The German international, a target for Barcelona, should sign a new contract with the Premier League champions soon.
Ilkay Gundogan joined Manchester City in July 2016 and has gone from strength to strength since then. The 32-year-old had arrived at the Etihad Stadium as one of Europe’s best midfielders. And after overcoming a few fitness issues, he has reinforced that belief with numerous game-changing displays for Manchester City.
The veteran midfielder has made 273 appearances for Manchester City, chipping in with 51 goals and 35 assists. In addition, the German international was solid at the 2022 FIFA World Cup before his nation’s untimely ouster. But the Citizens have been in a spot of bother over Gundogan’s long-term future as he is in the final year of his contract. Such a situation has alerted Barcelona.
Barcelona will enter the market for a midfield reinforcement next summer amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Sergio Busquets. The Barcelona captain is in the twilight of his career and might depart from Spotify Camp Nou at the end of the season. Recent reports have claimed that Busquets is himself considering leaving the Blaugrana next year.
So Barcelona will need to scour the market for a replacement, with Gundogan emerging as a viable target. The German international’s contract situation makes him an attractive option for the Catalan outfit. And with Barcelona’s financial woes not easing up yet, the Manchester City captain fits the bill.
But Barcelona might not be able to sign the 32-year-old, who will likely sign a new contract with Manchester City. Recent reports indicated that Gundogan and Manchester City were in “loose talks” over a new deal. And widespread claims pointed to the player’s future being directly linked with Pep Guardiola.
With Guardiola signing a new contract, Gundogan’s renewal seems like a formality. So Barcelona will have to identify an alternative for the veteran midfielder. And it will be interesting to see who emerges as the next priority midfield target.
