In the current footballing climate of the transfer market, Barcelona will not find many opportunities like they have in the case of a particular German midfielder currently plying his trade in the English Premier League.
Ilkay Gundogan, a 32-year-old German midfielder who can operate across the midfield on various fronts such as a pivot, an interior, or even as a box-to-box midfielder courtesy of his versatility and adaptability, is set to see his contract expire at his current club, Manchester City.
As per the latest report on his future by Spanish outlet SPORT, the player has been guaranteed by Barcelona that his registration will not be in doubt whatsoever, as the members of the board are willing to personally endorse it should the need arise.
On other fronts, such as sporting importance, where Gundogan has been assured by Barcelona of his leading role within the team’s new dynamics, as well as financial compensation, with The Athletic even reporting that Barcelona have improved their 3-year-offer to the German midfielder just recently in order to lure him to Catalonia.
The interest of Arsenal also remains in the backdrop, but it is believed that Barcelona and Manchester City are still both heavy favorites to compete over Gundogan’s signing and other rivaling interests from the London-based club or even Saudi Arabia are still not as enticing to the midfielder.
Come next week, it is expected that a lot of different scenarios will have cleared themselves out, and with complete assurance from both the club and Xavi Hernandez himself in place, Ilkay Gundogan will be in the ideal place to commit to FC Barcelona.
On the other hand, there remains pessimism over a potential departure to Barcelona within the English Media. They, in particular, believe that the German is more enticed by the offer and prospect of staying at Manchester City following their treble-winning season under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. It remains to be seen just where exactly the German himself decides to play football next.
