Ilkay Gundogan has reportedly told Barcelona he wants to join them after the Champions League final.
The 32-year-old could be set to have his final game for Manchester City this weekend as he leads his team out in Istanbul as they face off against Inter Milan to win the Champions League.
With his contract at the Etihad Stadium set to expire at the end of the month, the midfielder could be available for other clubs to sign as a free agent if he doesn’t extend his stay at City.
Gundogan tells Barcelona he wants to join them
According to a recent report from Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish club are keen to secure Gundogan’s signature as soon as possible having offered him a three-year deal and with the player apparently making his feelings known about joining Barcelona.
The report also adds that Xavi’s side were keen on signing the German even before their move to bring Lionel Messi back to the club fell through, which has now only increased the eagerness to sign the City captain.
With Pep Guardiola, who has described Gundogan as an “exceptional” player, sharing his hopes of seeing the midfielder sign a new deal at the Etihad following his two-goal performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup final, this highlights how highly thought of he is by the City manager.
Moving forward, regardless of what happens in Istanbul, we feel that it should be a top priority for the club to convince their captain to continue his journey in Guardiola’s side and put pen to paper on a new deal that suits all parties.
Although, recent reports claiming that City have agreed personal terms with Mateo Kovacic, this could mean that he may be seen as the club’s potential ideal replacement for Gundogan if he does indeed have his heart set on joining Barcelona.
