Ilkay Gündogan reportedly set to depart Manchester City to join Barcelona on free transfer

İlkay Gündoğan (Source: Twitter)

According to prominent Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan will join Barcelona as a free agent when his contract with the English club expires at the end of June. The Spanish Giants have offered Gundogon a three-year deal. However, neither side has officially announced the move, and we are still waiting for more details.

Reports suggest that after leading the Premier League club to a historic treble, Gundogan will leave. City was reportedly ready to offer him a new one-year contract. After Manchester United in 1998-99, they became only the second English team to achieve such a feat.

Under Gundogan's leadership, the Sky Blue Heroes won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, becoming the second English team to complete the treble after Manchester United in 1998-99.

"Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, here we go! Final approval arrived on the club side to register him as a new signing, green light from the player. It's a done deal, signed a few minutes ago. Gundogan has agreed on a two-year deal valid until June 2025 with an option for a further year," Romano tweeted Wednesday.

Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona, here we go! Final approval arrived on club side to register him as new signing, green light from the player. It’s done deal, signed few minutes ago. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB

Gündogan has agreed a two year deal valid until June 2025 with option for further year. pic.twitter.com/Gr467hNBms

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

Barcelona have been searching for a star midfielder since the departure of Sergio Busquets, and now they are set to sign one of the best in the world. Although a playmaker, Gundogan also has a knack for scoring regularly. The 32-year-old has made 304 appearances for the Citizens and has amassed 60 goals and 40 assists across the competition.

He is a significant player for us: Pep Guardiola on Gundogan

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said it would be an "extraordinary signing" if Gundogan joined Barca. The City boss wanted him to stay at City by renewing his contract.

"I know they are very interested, and City are also very interested. We are both very interested. I hope he stays with us, but if he finally decides to come to Barca, he will make an extraordinary signing," Guardiola said.

"I have never negotiated a contract. I know that Barca wants him and that Xavi has called him often. We want him to continue because we believe he is a significant player for us, but if in the end, he decides to come to Barcelona, I will tell him that he will have a great time," he added.