Barcelona have reached an agreement with Manchester City to sign Ilkay Gundogan as a free agent when his contract expires on June 30, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
Ilkay Gundogan has agreed a two-year contract with Barcelona with an option for a further year, Gundogan rejected offers to extend his stay at City as well as proposals from Arsenal and Saudi Arabian clubs, sources said.
The deal awaits the results of a physical exam, which Gundogan conducted on Wednesday, the sources said.
Barcelona’s financial problems have led them to climb the free agent market, and in March ESPN revealed that Barcelona were in talks with the Germany international.
As sources have told ESPN, Manchester City are not willing to match Barca’s financial bid, and will only extend their contract for a year with the option of another year.
Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie both arrived on free transfers last summer, while sources have told ESPN that defender Inigo Martinez will also join Barca after his contract with Athletic Club expires this month.
Ilkay Gundogan arrives at Barcelona after coach Xavi Hernandez revealed a desire to increase the team’s creativity and goalscoring numbers from midfield after losing Lionel Messi, who will join Inter Miami.
Xavi feels Barca struggled last season when Pedri was injured, and Gundogan is seen as someone who can help take some of the weight off the young Spanish midfielder.
Barca acknowledge the former Borussia Dortmund man’s ability in the middle of the pitch, particularly to operate in a deeper role although sources say the club would still prefer to bring in a direct replacement for departing Sergio Busquets.
Ilkay Gundogan ends his City career after guiding the English side to a historic treble, culminating in their first Champions League trophy earlier this month.
The midfielder scored 11 goals in 51 appearances this season, including twice in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
He leaves City having won five Premier League titles and a total of 14 trophies.
