Barcelona manager Xavi has reportedly promised Ilkay Gundogan that he would have a leading role at Camp Nou.
It is expected that there will be movement on this situation this week.
Gundogan has been taking some time to think about what he wants to do since the Champions League final.
He apparently told his inner circle at the title celebrations that he wanted to join Barca, but that an offer had not yet been presented.
There have also been reports of interest from the Saudi Pro League. But that does not appear to be something Gundogan is considering.
Xavi has promised Ilkay Gundogan a prominent role at Camp Nou
According to AS yesterday, Barca are currently uneasy about the Gundogan situation.
They really, really want to sign him and have long admired the player, believing he is very underrated.
But they know that City are trying to keep hold of a player who has been so key to their success over the last few years.
City are thought to have put forth a contract offer.
But AS say that Xavi has promised the 32-year-old a leading role in the team at Barca if he comes. Yesterday it was suggested Gundogan was close to giving the move the green light,
It remains to be seen if this will prove decisive.
Xavi and Barcelona are determined to sign Ilkay Gundogan – and it’s absolutely no surprise
It is hardly surprising that Xavi has apparently been speaking to Gundogan directly for weeks.
Surely, there are very few clubs in the world that would not want to have a player like Gundogan – who somehow cost City just £20 million – in their squad.
He has shown for years now how good a player he is. He is so versatile – it doesn’t matter where he plays, he will thrive.
Hopefully, this charm offensive from Xavi is ultimately unsuccessful.
But admittedly, it is looking likely that Gundogan is going to make this move.
Having won everything there is to win with City, a new challenge probably appeals a lot, as does the chance to be managed by Xavi, a legendary midfielder of the game.
