Barcelona reportedly met the agent of 32-year-old Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on Thursday.
According to reputed Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona held talks with the agent of Ilkay Gundogan on Thursday. The 32-year-old Manchester City midfielder will become a free agent in the summer transfer window. And the Catalan giants wish to sign the veteran in a Bosman move this year.
Ilkay Gundogan has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Manchester City. The German international’s stint has coincided with Pep Guardiola’s spell at the Etihad. And he has been a trusted lieutenant for the Manchester City manager in the last half a dozen years.
The 32-year-old, who has turned out 284 times for Manchester City, has also risen in stature to become the club captain this term. But the Premier League champions are in a spot of bother over Gundogan’s long-term future. And with the player on the cusp of becoming a free agent, his situation has alerted Barcelona.
Barcelona will enter the market for a midfield reinforcement in the summer transfer window. And signing a versatile midfielder like the Manchester City captain might be a step in the right direction. While the 32-year-old is approaching the final phase of his career, he can be a solid replacement for Sergio Busquets.
💣Avanza @JijantesFC
El agente de İlkay Gündoğan se ha reunido esta mañana con la dirección deportiva del Barça.
El futbolista queda libre este junio, y es una opción MUY REAL para reforzar la plantilla azulgrana este próximo verano#mercato #Barça pic.twitter.com/svkPUj5Eaw
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) February 16, 2023
Recent reports have painted a grim picture from Manchester City’s perspective, claiming that the German international is set to join Barcelona. But the meeting on Thursday suggests the two parties are yet to agree to terms over a contract. However, Gundogan remains a priority target for Barcelona.
A few reports have claimed that the 32-year-old will sign a new contract with Manchester City. But with Gundogan’s agent meeting Barcelona, a move to Spotify Camp Nou might be on the cards. However, the Premier League champions will unlikely throw in the towel yet.
The next few months will determine where Gundogan will ply his trade in the 2023/24 season. As things stand, a move to Barcelona is possible. But Manchester City will likely push hard to keep the veteran midfielder at the Etihad beyond the summer transfer window.