Transfer Centre

Ilkay Gundogan pictured with Barcelona director ahead of Manchester City exit

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 21 June 2023

Gundogan pictured with Barcelona director ahead of Man City exit

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is spotted with Barcelona director Mateu Alemany ahead of completing a free transfer to Camp Nou.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been spotted with Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany ahead of completing a free transfer to Camp Nou.

The 32-year-old captain successfully led the Citizens to a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering seven assists in 51 matches.

However, Gundogan is set to end his trophy-laden seven-year association with Man City as multiple reports claim that the midfielder has agreed to join Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Gundogan, who has also been linked with Arsenal and clubs in Saudi Arabia, is said to have accepted terms on a two-year contract at Camp Nou, with the option of a one-year extension, and he is poised to become Xavi's first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Germany international represented his country in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Colombia on Tuesday, but he is now on his way to Catalonia to finalise his transfer to the La Liga champions.

✍🏼 DONE DEAL! Ilkay Gündogan joins FC Barcelona from ManCity. Medical check done in 🇩🇪. The 32yo midfielder met Barca director Mateu Alemany at Munich airport few moments ago to finalize deal before going on vacay. 2 year + option for further year. 🔵🔴 w/ @kerry_hau @SPORT1 pic.twitter.com/DFZ6Kk6WM7
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) June 21, 2023

Sport chief reporter Patrick Berger has posted an image on Twitter of Gundogan alongside Barca chief Alemany at Munich airport ahead of their flight to Barcelona this evening.

Gundogan is said to have already passed his medical in Germany ahead of completing the final details of his transfer to Barcelona, who intend to unveil their new signing imminently before he goes on holiday.

During his seven-year spell at the Etihad Stadium, Gundogan scored a total of 60 goals and provided 40 assists in 304 appearances for Man City across all competitions and has won 14 major trophies including five Premier League titles.

Gundogan was Guardiola's first-ever signing for the Citizens when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2016 and he has since earned legendary status at the Etihad, but he is now set to embark on a fresh challenge in the Spanish top flight with Barcelona.

Man City have seemingly lined up a replacement for Gundogan as they have reportedly agreed an initial £25m fee with Chelsea to sign midfielder Mateo Kovacic.