German international IIkay Gundogan has completed a move to Barcelona after sealing a historic treble with the club.
In a drastic and swift move led by Barcelona Chairman Mateu Alemany, Barcelona sealed a move for the highly-rated attacking midfielder.
Alemany reportedly flew into Munich on Wednesday to ensure talks, negotiations, and Gundogan medicals is completed.
Gundogan, 32, who was on the last few days of his Manchester City contract, was also eager to open a new chapter in his career, making the deal possible.
The former Borussia Dortmund star, at the peaks of a storied career at Etihad, will now be flying Barcelona shirt next season.
According to Fabrizio Romano, IIkay Gundogan has signed a two-year contract with Barcelona and will leave Manchester City this summer, bringing a storied seven-year career with Manchester City to a logical conclusion.
Gundogan is leaving Manchester City after a last-hour heroic act – captaining the Citizens to a historic treble.
In his seven-year stint with the club, IIkay Gundogan has won the Premier League FA Cup, EFL Cup, and the Champions League with Manchester City.
Manchester City new contract faceoff with Gundogan
Manchester City were willing to offer IIkay Gundogan a new one-year contract with an option of an extension.
Sources close to Gundogan revealed the German international wanted a new contract with City but with a longer duration.
Gundogan’s position placed Manchester City at a disadvantage as the club kept to their contract plan for players over the age of 30.
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, was already in the picture, trying to convince Gundogan of the Barcelona project with a longer contract duration than Manchester City’s.
Barcelona’s two-year offer and Xavi Hernandez’s role prove potent in convincing IIkay Gundogan to join the club.
Manchester City Sign Mateo Kovacic as Gundogan replacement
IIkay Gundogan’s move came exactly on the same day Manchester City completed a move for Croatian roving midfielder, Mateo Kovacic, signing the player from rivals Chelsea to possibly offset the gap left by IIkay Gundogan
The Croatian has been Pep Guardiola’s favorite and is a top and experienced mifielder but he may not perfectly fit into IIkay Gundogan’s shoes size at City on and off the field.
Gundogan joined Manchester City in 2016 after Pep Guardiola became manager in 2015 and was the Spaniard’s first signing.
He was handed the captain band and was praised by Guardiola for his exceptional leadership skills both on and off the field.
Manchester City Gundogan exit plan
Sources close to the club have revealed Manchester City will soon enter the race for West Ham’s Declan Rice as a backup plan to cushion the effect of Gundogan’s exit.
Also, Phil Foden, who has been struggling for game time, will now be deployed more as a central midfielder next season.
On the captaincy role, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri are now the two leading candidates to take Manchester City’s captain armband.
Following Gundogan’s exit, Bernardo Silva and Laporte are the other two names more likely to leave City this season.
