After pushing vigorously for the acquisition of Ilkay Gundogan, Barcelona managed to pull off his signing on a free transfer despite Manchester City’s insistence to retain their player hardly making the operation a cakewalk.
The recent Champions League winner recently landed in Barcelona, with Joel Gonzalez, head of the player service office, greeting him at the airport. According to Mundo Deportivo, Gundogan awaits an impending presentation on Monday at 11:00 a.m. (CET) at the Ciutat Esportiva.
Upon his much-awaited arrival, Gundogan greeted the Cules warmly: “Hey, Cules! I’m İlkay Gündogan. I’m very happy to finally be in Barcelona and to join you. I’m really looking forward to a great season and can’t wait to play my first game. See you soon.”
The ex-City and Borussia Dortmund player has agreed to a contract lasting until 2025 with an additional year’s option. On top of that, he holds a €400 million clause.
With this acquisition, FC Barcelona are strengthened with one of the best midfielders in the world, a key component of Pep Guardiola’s setup, and he comes at no cost because he chose not to extend his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The 32-year-old German midfielder is tasked to join the rest of the team on Monday, but he arrived in Catalonia preemptively on Saturday afternoon to accustom to his new surroundings. He will travel with the group on Wednesday as they depart for Los Angeles to start their tour of the country, which will last until August 2.
Gundogan is sure to elevate the midfield department at Barcelona as Xavi and the coaching staff took great interest in the player’s signing. In a day’s time, he will represent the Blaugrana jersey in front of the Blaugrana fans.
