FC Barcelona have successfully met one of the major objectives of this summer transfer window as they have signed Ilkay Gundogan on a potentially three years deal. Several other top European clubs were also interested in the German’s signature, but he ultimately signed up for the Catalans.
SPORT has outlined three important factors that contributed to the signing of Ilkay Gundogan for the Blaugranes.
Terms Offered:
Firstly, Barcelona offered better terms to Gundogan than other clubs, mainly his previous club, Manchester City. The midfielder had a slow start to the season, and the Manchester side was initially wary of offering a long contract to the midfielder.
However, after the World Cup, his performances improved, and the club, on Guardiola’s insistence, offered him to extend for one season, with the option of another season, but with his salary reduced. He earned €10 million per season in his prior contract, but the new contract offered him €16 million in two seasons.
On the other hand, Barcelona had already offered him a better deal, with a two-year contract with an option to extend for another year and around €10 million yearly in wages. Manchester City also improved their offer in the latter days of the season, going up to €12 million each year, but the player opted for Barcelona’s offer.
Sporting Project:
Jordi Cruyff, while he was still at the club, had bet heavily on signing the German for Barcelona, and he also involved Xavi in this operation. As a result, the gaffer communicated with the midfielder at least three times during the last few months.
Xavi disclosed to Gundogan his potential role in the Barcelona squad, making him one of the team’s leaders, and an opportunity to play both at the base of the midfield and in more advanced positions.
The German already had a history of working with Lewandowski, and was also excited with the possibility of playing with Messi, during these times.
Personal Choice:
Lastly, Gundogan also had a sentimental attachment with FC Barcelona, and both him and his agent/uncle have always wanted Gundogan to play in the historical blue and garnet jersey.
He was close to signing with the club in 2015, but Luis Enrique favored Arda Turan at that time. It was because of this association with the club that Gundogan did not entertain any offers from Saudi Arabia.
While he will be starting his Barcelona career at Montjuic, the player and fans would be hoping that the player can fulfill his dream of playing at Camp Nou as soon as possible, and help the club win as many trophies as Barcelona are used to winning.
