Following the conclusion of the season for most teams, FC Barcelona included, there remained one final match that the entirety of Europe and most around the world stopped to watch; the UEFA Champions League final.
Contested between English Premier League side Manchester City, led by former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, and Italian Serie A team Inter Milan, who Barcelona themselves faced during the group stages of the 2022/2023 season’s Champions League.
As reflected on by the likes of SPORT as well, FC Barcelona target Ilkay Gundogan, who took part in this game, was not necessarily at his very best. Most of the players across the field had a very hard time bringing out their most technical versions, Gundogan included.
The German International was consistently exchanging blows with and contesting against Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, with the Turkish player hot on the trails of Gundogan throughout the 90 minutes.
Despite struggling during the initial phase of the game in which Inter Milan were rather successful in suffocating Manchester City from playing their usual style of play with their typical fluidity, Pep Guardiola’s side would eventually break through.
Courtesy of Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri, a brilliant strike from the midfielder would see City take the lead near the 70th-minute mark. Following the goal, City were back in their groove for most of the remaining game.
Pressing, ensuring the ball stays away from Inter, and commanding the field, Gundogan was at the center of alot of City plays and led them dutifully as team captain.
At the end of the 90, Manchester City were crowned champions of Europe with Ilkay Gundogan lifting the trophy. Now, with both his contract expiring and UCL dream accomplished at City, many would believe the next step for the German would be to head over to Catalonia and take his talents to FC Barcelona, where a new challenge awaits under Xavi Hernandez.
Barca are under a transfer embargo and that includes free transfers because of the wage deferrals going on at the club. Until they raise £178 million this will be the case. Gundogan will sign a new two year contract with City at the end of June. Should Berna do leave City he will be heading to PSG not Barca.