Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester City’s captain Ilkay Gundogan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Barca manager, Xavi Hernandez considers the deal to be one of his top priorities due to Gundogan’s exceptional versatility as a midfielder.
Undoubtedly, Gundogan’s arrival will provide a significant boost in quality to the Catalan team. The club believe he will offer multiple alternatives and address some of the team’s deficiencies.
The news of his signing was announced on Monday morning, June 26, which has been eagerly awaited by Barcelona fans after the agreement had reportedly been finalized earlier in the week.
According to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the 32-year-old German footballer will be joining the Catalan giants without any transfer fee as he did not renew his contract with Manchester City.
Gundogan’s wish, as well as that of Barcelona’s manager Xavi Hernández, has been fulfilled as he is expected to play for Barca until June 2025.
Ilkay Gundogan’s midfield prowess and versatility
The midfield holds great importance for Xavi, who has shown a preference for deploying four midfielders in a 4-4-2 formation.
Therefore, the addition of Gundogan will provide numerous options for Barcelona’s midfield. The German international has the ability to play as a holding midfielder or as an attacking midfielder.
In addition, Gundogan has primarily played as a playmaker or in front of the double pivot position. He has scored a total of 11 goals in all competitions, with eight of those goals being in the Premier League in the 2022-2023 season.
Furthermore, he has a significant impact on his team’s performance by creating opportunities for them. He has been instrumental in generating 37 goal-scoring chances for Manchester City.
The 32-year-old midfielder will be joining Barcelona after accruing 110 goals and 66 crucial assists in 557 matches played throughout his club career thus far.
Ilkay Gundogan’s familiarity with Barcelona style
Given Gundogan’s seven seasons of experience under Pep Guardiola, his adaptation to the team should be relatively straightforward.
He was the first player to be signed by City boss Guardiola upon his appointment as the manager of Manchester City.
Furthermore, Gundogan and Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen are teammates on the German national team and he will be delighted to play alongside his countryman.
Gundogan is likely to be Barcelona’s captain
It has been reported that upon his arrival, Xavi is likely to appoint Gundogan as Barcelona’s next captain.
Last season, three Barcelona captains departed from the team. Gerard Pique left in December, while Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba left the club at the end of the campaign.
At the age of 32, Gundogan will bring his valuable leadership qualities to Barcelona as he has previously served as the captain of Manchester City.
Gundogan’s consistent success in winning titles
With the exception of his first season in England, Gundogan has achieved success in every campaign.
He is now looking forward to his debut La Liga season and hopes to add more trophies to his collection.
He has won five Premier League titles, two Community Shields, four Carabao Cups, two FA Cups, and one Champions League trophy.
It is worth mentioning that he will be arriving in Catalonia as a treble winner from Manchester City.
He has emerged victorious in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, and had the honor of lifting all three trophies as the team captain.
What’s your take on Gundogan’s transfer to Barcelona?
