FC Barcelona continue to isolate and specify the players they believe hold the most merit and are simultaneously economically feasible for the Catalans to pursue. One such name currently plays for English Premier League side Manchester City.
Ilkay Gundogan, 32 years old, is a German midfielder who primarily operates as a central midfielder with the ability to be deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, an interior, and even in a more defensive midfield role. He currently plies his trade under ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, current English Premier League champions.
Most recently, the number 8 of Manchester City was involved in the side’s clash against local rivals Manchester United for the Emirates FA Cup. Courtesy of two game-altering goals by the German, Manchester City were able to overcome their opposition and win the final by a score of 2-1.
His first goal came as the deadlock breaker within the first 14 seconds, consequently setting a record as the fastest goal in FA Cup final history. His second would end up being the game’s decisive goal as the scores were tied prior to it.
This is not the first time Ilkay Gundogan has come to the rescue for Manchester City, as last season it was his decisive goal on Matchday 38 that gave Manchester City the 2021/2022 Premier League title.
Following the game, the midfielder acknowledged the praise he received but also hinted that his future is completely up in the air as of right now:
My future? To be honest, I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated. I know that, that’s why I’m here, seven years now. Nothing is decided yet. We’re going to see what’s going to happen.
The German international has gained much attention in terms of transfer reports over the course of recent weeks given the heavy links between him and FC Barcelona amidst the renewal efforts from Manchester City and strong interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
The Catalan club considers him to be a difference-making player who could possibly revolutionize a developing Barcelona side that is hungry for even more success following the first La Liga title under Xavi Hernandez.
