Barcelona Eyeing Gundogan for Summer Transfer as Manchester City Braces for His Departure

Credit: AP Photo/Dave Thompson

Manchester City's star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly considering leaving the club this summer, amid strong interest from Barcelona. The German international could leave the Premier League champions on a free transfer at the end of the season, with just a few months left on his contract.

The Manchester City executives suspect that Gundogan wants to leave the club, but it is not yet clear whether the club will try to tie him down with a new contract. Pep Guardiola may have to look for a new midfield reinforcement with the links to Jude Bellingham and Bruno Guimaraes, should Gundogan leave.

Barcelona manager Xavi is believed to be pushing the Catalan giants to sign Gundogan this summer and has personally contacted the former Borussia Dortmund player to discuss the potential move. The Spanish league leaders are reportedly encouraged to pursue a deal with a reduced price, as Manchester City is not expected to keep Gundogan at the club next season, according to Sport.

The report claims that the club has already offered him a one-year extension with a reduced salary, but Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain believe that Gundogan has already made up his mind. Additionally, the player's 32-year-old wife is also said to be tired of living in England, and the family would welcome a change of scenery in Catalonia.

While negotiations between Gundogan and Barcelona about a two-year contract are said to be going well, the Catalan club will still need to significantly reduce their wage bill before bringing in new faces. Gundogan could soon take over the role of Sergio Busquets if the Spanish midfielder chooses not to extend his contract after the summer.

The possible departures of Ansu Fati, Jordi Alba, Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, and Abde Ezzalzouli could also help bring the club in line with UEFA and La Liga financial regulations.

Gundogan joined Manchester City in the summer of 2016, and the German has since scored 53 goals and provided 37 assists in 290 appearances for the Premier League champions. After Fernandinho's departure at the end of last season, Gundogan was chosen as the team captain, and he has scored four goals and provided four assists in 37 games with the captain's armband this season.

Manchester City has already won several trophies, including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups, and two Community Shields. However, Guardiola's side is still eight points behind Arsenal with one game left to play this season.