Ilkay Gundogan’s proposed move to FC Barcelona has been in the pipeline for some months, but there has been no conclusive agreement between the parties.
Previously, the player was expected to make his decision after the UEFA Champions League final, but having not done so yet, he has set another deadline to decide his future.
According to SPORT, the German midfielder will make a decision about his future by the coming Sunday, i.e., June 25th. The midfielder was already expected to make a decision about his future by the end of this week, and while talking to the media with his German national team yesterday, he also disclosed that he was not 100% sure about his future yet, but ruled out any possibility of returning to the Bundesliga.
Gundogan’s current contract with Manchester City is set to expire at the end of this month, and both Manchester City and Barcelona are vying for his signature. Pep Guardiola wants to retain the German international at any cost, and his club is offering him a three-year contract to convince him to stay in Manchester.
Another English side, Arsenal have also shown their interest in the midfielder, but Gundogan himself wants to play in Spain for some time before he eventually retires. Thus, Barcelona are high in his list of options, and Catalans are optimistic that Gundogan will end up joining them.
However, the financial conditions of the club are making things complicated, as Gundogan wants guarantees from Barcelona that he will be registered with La Liga if he signs for the club.
Thus, Gundogan will be expected to make a decision about his future club by this Sunday. FC Barcelona remain in the pole position to sign the midfielder, but will have to work hard to be able to incorporate him with his €10 million per year of wages in the squad.
