In what could easily be labeled for FC Barcelona as arguably their biggest move of the summer transfer window thus far, the Catalan club has signed a particular 32-year-old German midfielder from the reigning Premier League Champions in England.
A player that Manchester City themselves were adamant on retaining and renewing following the impending expiration of his current contract, the superstar now becomes the latest addition in Xavi Hernandez’s new-look FC Barcelona.
According to the latest transfer confirmation by the acclaimed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, who recently just managed to complete a historic continental treble with the English side and now will be making his way to Catalonia.
Signing for a reported 2 years primarily, the player and club have included the option to extend the German’s contract by another additional year as both parties see fit as per Mundo Deportivo. For now, the player, already 32 years of age, comes to Barcelona in the form of his life.
Further details provided by Romano include the player’s possible release clause. Expected to be a €500 million release clause, it would more or less be a symbolic indication by Barcelona that they do not wish for any other side to come into the picture and later attempt to take the player away from the Catalans.
Looking ahead to next season, Ilkay Gundogan becomes the second signing for FC Barcelona following the acquisition of central defender Inigo Martinez from Athletic Bilbao. Next on the list for Xavi Hernandez will surely be the pursuit of a top-level defensive midfielder to bring in as a replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets.
