Done deal: Ilkay Gundogan has signed for Barcelona.
In a significant development, according to Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona has reportedly completed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City's captain. The 32-year-old midfielder is said to have finalized his contract with Barcelona, making a Bosman transfer move. After failing to re-sign Lionel Messi, Barcelona prioritized Gundogan as their top transfer target. The Catalan club faced competition from Manchester City, who were keen on retaining their legend, as well as interest from Arsenal and clubs in Saudi Arabia. However, Barcelona managed to secure the deal, having been working on it for several months.
The report indicates that Gundogan signed his Barcelona contract in Munich, where director Mateu Alemany flew to finalize the agreement. It is believed that the German international has signed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. The extension option will be contingent on Gundogan playing more than 50% of the matches available to him during his second year at the club. The midfielder's contract includes a release clause worth €500 million, and he has also undergone medical examinations in Germany.
Additional details provided by RAC1 suggest that Gundogan's contract will run until 2026. Furthermore, the player has reportedly accepted gross wages of around €9 million per year, which represents a significant pay cut compared to his earnings at Manchester City. Concerns regarding Gundogan's registration upon joining Barcelona have been addressed by the club, as they are confident that it will not be an issue. The 32-year-old has received guarantees regarding this matter.
Gundogan's exceptional performance during the past season makes him an exciting signing for Barcelona. His versatility as an interior midfielder or in the pivot position, coupled with his vast experience, will be valuable for the team, particularly in influencing young talents like Pedri and Gavi.
Overall, if the reports are accurate, Barcelona has successfully secured the services of Ilkay Gundogan, bolstering their midfield options and adding a seasoned player to their squad. The move represents an important step for Barcelona as they rebuild following Messi's departure and signals their determination to compete at the highest level.
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