(Football News) 32-year-old Gundogan, despite being offered a new contract by Manchester City, has reportedly negotiated a more lucrative three-year deal with Spanish champions Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola, the manager of City, expressed a strong desire to retain Gundogan, considering his pivotal role in the club’s successful Treble-winning season.
The German midfielder showcased his prowess by participating in 51 matches during the 2022-23 season and finding the net 11 times.
Gundogan’s impact became particularly notable in the latter stages of City’s campaign, where he scored six goals in his final seven games, including a brace in the 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
He played the entire duration of the Champions League final, helping City secure a 1-0 win over Inter Milan, thus adding to their triumphs in the Premier League and FA Cup this season.
Guardiola had previously mentioned that City’s director, Txiki Begiristain, was actively working towards retaining Ilkay, expressing hopes for a successful outcome.
Gundogan’s departure comes after City reached an agreement with Chelsea for the £30 million signing of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
In 2016, Ilkay made a move to City from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of £20 million. Throughout his time at the club, he amassed a total of 304 appearances and found the back of the net on 60 occasions.
Throughout his seven-year tenure at Etihad Stadium, Gundogan secured an impressive collection of 14 trophies, including five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, and two Community Shields.
Following the departure of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, Gundogan assumed the role of club captain at the start of the 2022-23 season.
Analysts, such as Simon Stone from BBC Sport, anticipate that Gundogan will be held in the same high regard as legendary City players David Silva, Yaya Toure, and Vincent Kompany.
Ultimately, Manchester City’s decision regarding Ilkay’s contract came down to economic considerations. While the club expressed a desire for Gundogan to stay, they were not willing to retain him at any cost.
City presented Gundogan with a one-year contract and the possibility of an additional season, while Barcelona offered an extra year on top of that.
At 32 years old, Gundogan’s exceptional performances for City notwithstanding, it is unlikely for his skills to further improve.
Given City’s status as Treble winners and their attractiveness under the management of Pep Guardiola, the club can draw top-tier talent, as exemplified by their potential acquisition of Mateo Kovacic.
Gundogan’s legacy at the club will be cherished, much like the enduring memories of David Silva, Yaya Toure, and Vincent Kompany.
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