Barcelona have completed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City as a free agent, the two clubs announced on Monday.
Ilkay Gundogan is out of contract with Manchester City at the end of the month and has agreed to join Barcelona on a two-year contract with an option for a further year, the Spanish champions have confirmed. His release clause has been set at €400 million.
Sources told ESPN last week that City were not willing to meet Barcelona’s financial offer and would only extend Gundogan’s contract by one year with an option for another year.
“Today is bittersweet. Farewells are never easy, but harder with this team,” Gundogan wrote in the Players Tribune as quoted by ESPN.
“When I had to break the news to the boys that I was leaving in our group chat, I was emotional. I will miss them all, to be honest. But I am happy to say that I leave here a champion, and I have only love for the club in my heart How many footballers can say goodbye as captain of a treble team?
“It’s been amazing what we achieved. Five Premier League titles in my seven years here. Two FA Cups. Champions League. Treble. But it’s just a trophy. The thing I remember most is the feeling in the squad, especially this season. I didn’t Never experienced anything like this in football.”
The Germany international becomes the Catalan club’s first signing of the summer, although ESPN had previously revealed there was also a deal in place to sign defender Inigo Martinez when his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires at the end of June.
The 32-year-old joined Barca to add depth and goals in midfield after they lost Lionel Messi, who opted to join Inter Miami CF.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is keen to strengthen the midfield after judging their performance levels dropped when they were without Pedri last season.
Apart from Pedri, Gundogan will complete the midfield which will also be filled by Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Franck Kessie and Sergi Roberto.
However, with the departure of Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami, Xavi says the club are also in dire need of a deeper midfield player, with sources telling ESPN that is now the club’s top transfer priority.
Gundogan ended his seven-year spell at City after captaining the English side to a treble, culminating in their first Champions League trophy earlier this month.
He 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.
“If I were to move, there is only one club in the world that would make sense. It would be Barcelona or nothing,” Gundogan added.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of wearing that shirt one day. I believe that I have many years left at the highest level, and I just want to help bring Barcelona back to where they deserve.”
“It’s going to be a reunion with my old friend Lewa, and I’m excited to play under another manager that I’ve admired for a long time. When Xavi and I spoke about the project, it felt so natural. I saw so many similarities between us as characters and our ways. watching the game,” said Gundogan.
