Ilkay Gundogan is on the verge of turning down a move to Barcelona and committing his future to Manchester City, despite strong interest from the Spanish champions… with the German midfielder being ‘offered a new long-term deal’ in the Etihad
- Gundogan has been linked with a summer move at Man City
- But reports now claim the midfielder is considering a new long-term deal
- LaLiga champions Barcelona had been the front runner to bring in Gundogan
Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is on the verge of rejecting a transfer to Barcelona and entrusting his future to the Premier League champions, according to reports.
The Germany international was linked with a departure from the Etihad in the summer, with Spanish giants Barcelona leading the race to sign him.
Gundogan, whose contract expires at the end of the season, had shown no interest in signing an extension he was reportedly offered.
However, it now appears that the midfielder has reconsidered his options and is open to a new long-term deal at Etihad.
According to The timesGundogan was offered a two-year contract with the option of a further year by Barcelona ahead of his expected free transfer in the summer.
Ilkay Gundogan reportedly turned down a move to Barcelona in favor of staying at Man City
Pep Guardiola had previously said he was unsure what decision Gundogan would make
However, the German is now in favor of an extension at City and the club are willing to offer him a longer contract than the one-year contract they had previously proposed.
Gundogan made 48 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals – four of them in recent weeks, with crucial doubles in a 3-0 win against Everton and a 2-1 win against Leeds.
Following Everton’s win, manager Pep Guardiola appeared to suggest he was unsure what decision Gundogan would make about his future.
The City boss said: “No one knows what will happen, maybe he remains hopeful. He can show time and time again the quality and the importance and his commitment, for all of us, for the club.
Not just scoring goals, now he has his momentum. He was the player against Leeds and again (against Everton). He can do anything and everything well. He doesn’t talk much, but when he talks everyone listens and that’s the leader’s strength.
“He shows his leadership at every training, arrives on time, lives your work for 24 hours and plays like he plays… he’s so smart and he’s a man who handles pressure well.’
City clinched the Premier League title on Saturday night after Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest prevented the league leaders from being caught.
Barcelona boss Xavi led the race to sign Gundogan for free in the summer
And in the aftermath, Gundogan took the time to thank staff, teammates and supporters for helping City claim their third consecutive Premier League title.
Gundogan: ‘It is something very special to have helped the club to win the Premier League for the third time in a row.
“The Premier League is without a doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world, so that says everything about what an achievement this is. This team is so talented and so special and to be captain this season has been a huge privilege.”
“I also want to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works at this football club. Every day they help provide us as players with everything we need to try and be successful. Without all their support we could never have won this title.’