Ilkay Gundogan Joins Barcelona On A Free Transfer

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BARCELONA: The German international’s contract would see him at Barcelona until 2025 with a further one-year option.

Barcelona FC has announced a high-profile signing of former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan (32) on a free transfer. The German international’s contract would see him at Barcelona until 2025 with a further one-year option, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The versatile midfielder, whose contract at City was due to expire at the end of June 2023, chose to join the Catalans rather than stay in the English Premier League (EPL), albeit City was keen to keep him. Incidentally, he had offers from other clubs, including in Saudi Arabia.

Gundogan has joined the Spanish champions fresh from leading the Citizens to an unprecedented treble season in which they won the Premier League, Football Association (FA) Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

“This club made me realise all my dreams and I will forever be thankful for this opportunity,” he said, bidding the club farewell in a statement posted on its website, “I will carry City always in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue.”

The charismatic captain led Manchester City to their arguably best-ever season in history, as the club was finally able to deliver the elusive European Cup. Currently, the EPL champions are the best club in Europe.

Gundogan, who joined City in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund, which plays in the Bundesliga, made over 300 appearances for the EPL outfit and scored 60 goals in all competitions. Therefore, he had a successful career to date with the Citizens, with whom he won 14 trophies: five EPL titles, two FA cups, four League cups, two Community Shields, and the coveted Champions League.

In him, Barcelona has gained a valuable asset, as the veteran brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Xavi Hernandez’s youthful side.