According to recent reports, FC Barcelona have achieved a major aim of their summer transfer window, as they have concluded an agreement with their top midfield target, Ilkay Gundogan. The operation for the midfielder has been anything but simple, and the Barcelona hierarchy deserves credit for this success.
Mundo Deportivo reports that one important part of this hierarchy, Director of Football Mateu Alemany, had been in Germany to close the signing of Gundogan, where the player’s medical examination was undertaken, and Barcelona representatives gave their approval to the player’s medical condition.
After the medical, the player met with Alemany to sign a contract with FC Barcelona, which will keep him in Catalonia for two seasons, with an option for a third season too. While already 32 years old, the player had one of his best seasons with Manchester City last year, where he won the treble and his first Champions League title.
After returning from this important trip to Germany, Alemany faced reporters when he landed in Barcelona on Wednesday night.
The Director was rather cautious with his answers to media questions, and regarding Gundogan’s signing told reporters that any news regarding player arrivals will be announced by the club and he does not have anything to say about any player at this time.
He also refrained from disclosing the aim of his trip to Germany, and claimed that his travels as a professional sports director are “confidential and private affairs”. Regarding the transfer market, the director gave an indication of more players to come, as he said that the market “has just begun”.
Thus, while Alemany did not confirm it himself, the media is awash with reports of Gundogan’s agreement with Barcelona, and the experienced German is expected to play in the garnet and blue colors from next season.
