FC Barcelona are having a good season, which has surpassed the expectations, at least of the more pessimistic part of the fanbase, and have already won one trophy while being on course to win another. However, there have been clearly visible problems in the team, which need to be sorted out before the start of the next season.
The midfield, composed of Busquets, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi, has been an irresistible force for Xavi for a major part of the season. However, the loss to Pedri to injury laid bare the team’s reliance on one player for most of its creative output, and the club is keen to bring in another midfielder that can provide the creative spark for the team in Pedri’s absence.
While a number of names have been considered by the club, Manchester City’s German midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan seems to be one chosen by the Catalan club to play this role next season. According to SPORT, Mateu Alemany had a meeting with Gundogan’s agent this Thursday, in which significant progress took place in regard to Gundogan’s move to Barcelona.
Despite his status as a starter and his current good form, Gundogan is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of the season as he is looking for a new challenge. At Barcelona, he will be offered a contract for two years, with the option to add another year, with a yearly wage of around €12 million gross per season.
If this report turns out to be true, it would mean that the Blaugranes are well advanced in their negotiations with the German’s entourage, and a move could really be on the cards. This move will definitely help the club’s midfield as Pedri will have someone to share his creative burden with, while Gundogan can also help Busquets get some rest with his versatility in the midfield.
However, he is already 32 years of age, and his abilities are only going to decline with time, which means he will be a stopgap solution for the club at best.
