Ilkay Gundogan is said to have decided to leave Manchester City in order to join Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola’s first signing in 2016, the midfielder has gone on to become a legend at the Etihad Stadium.
Gundogan has five Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, and was part of Inter Milan’s Champions League victory earlier this month.
However, in the months leading up to his 304th game, the Germany international’s future was clouded by doubt due to his contract expiring at the end of June.
Since the turn of the year, it has been suggested that an exit is more likely than extending his stay in Manchester, and vice versa during his spectacular end to the season.
Since the beginning of May, the 32-year-old has contributed three doubles, most memorably in the FA Cup final, which City won 2-1 against rivals Manchester United.
However, Barcelona, which is focused on signing free players this summer, has always been lurking in the background with the potential of providing Gundogan with a new challenge.
According to 90min, Gundogan is willing to accept an offer to move to Camp Nou in the near future.
According to the report, Gundogan has agreed to sign a two-year contract with a possible 12 months extension with the La Liga winners.
Xavi is a fan of the former Borussia Dortmund player, making him a top target at a time when Barcelona was also interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves.
The Barcelona manager believes Gundogan has the qualities to fit in seamlessly with his club, which is missing the presence of Sergio Busquets, who is leaving on a free transfer.
With Gavi having recently been properly registered as a La Liga first-team player, club officials are less concerned about failing to satisfy the essential procedures to ensure Gundogan can play from the start of the season.
Nonetheless, Barcelona will be forced to make significant cuts in the coming months, most likely through the sale of periphery players unless they receive a large cash bid for a sellable asset.
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