Gundogan finally made a decision. Manchester City's German midfielder was between renewing his contract with Manchester City or joining Barcelona as a free agent. Finally the former Sky Blues player has signed a two-year contract with the 'Cules' valid until June 2025 with an option for a further year.
Gundogan is Barcelona's first signing for the 2023/2024 season. The player finally decided not to accept Manchester City's renewal offer and will play in La Liga next season. The former Borussia Dortmund player has signed a contract with the 'Cules' for the next two seasons, valid until June 2025 and with the option to extend it for another year.
The player finally decided to leave Manchester City, ending a seven-season spell with the Sky Blues. In addition, the Germany international leaves the English club in style, having lifted the coveted Champions League with the Cityzens in his first year as captain, thus completing a historic treble only previously achieved in England by Manchester United.
Barcelona will thus be the fifth club Gundogan has played for in his career. The German midfielder made his professional debut at VFL Bochum before moving to Nurnberg. After three seasons with the German club he joined Borussia Dortmund, where he made his name known to the world, and after six seasons with Reus and Co. he decided to make the leap to the Premier League by joining Manchester City.
Barca have therefore landed a key player for their midfield, especially after the departure of Busquets. Ilkay Gundogan is not the best profile to play the role that the Spaniard had in Barcelona's style of play but no doubt the former Sky Blues player will bring experience and the last best years of his career alongside youngsters Pedri and Gavi.