The latest acquisition for FC Barcelona is one that can arguably be considered their best deal thus far this summer and one that could also be labeled as a superstar signing given the pedigree, quality, and experience of the 32-year-old arrival from Manchester City.
Having signed none other than German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer with a reported salary of €9 million per season, which is a reduced salary as compared to the one he was earning in Manchester City, Barcelona acquired arguably one of Europe’s best midfielders.
Now making his move from England to the city of Barcelona in Spain, as per Fabrizio Romano, the player had several factors influencing his decision. The latest of such factors includes someone who has come to know and love FC Barcelona by the end of a single year with the club.
As per Polish outlet Meczyki, one of the influences that helped Ilkay Gundogan make his final decision in relation to his future club was none other than Poland striker and Barcelona talisman, Robert Lewandowski.
The Pole reportedly managed to persuade Gundogan in Warsaw, following a match between Poland and Germany that would see the latter lose 1:0 to the team led by Lewandowski.
Once together during their days at German side Borussia Dortmund, Lewandowski would go on to play for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich while Ilkay Gundogan went on to join Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Both the striker and the midfielder have achieved great success at their respective clubs and have both managed to win the UEFA Champions League as well at this point in their careers.
Now set to play together once more in garnet and blue, the duo will represent Barcelona with the hopes of making an impact in Europe and continuing the domestic success Barcelona enjoyed this season in Spain.
The official announcement concerning Ilkay Gundogan’s arrival at FC Barcelona is not too far away either, with the Catalan club hoping to make it official as soon as possible.
