Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan has not ‘decided’ where he will play next season amidst Barca rumours
Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan’s agent insists ‘there is no agreement with any club’ despite claims the Germany international had ‘signed a two-year contract with Barcelona worth £10.7 million a year’
Ilkay Gundogan’s agent has picked up rumors that the midfielder is close to moving to Barcelona after his contract with Manchester City expires at the end of the season, reports said.
The City captain has been closely linked with the Catalan giants, who are looking to bolster their midfield during this summer’s transfer window.
Talks are still ongoing between the Germany international and his current club, which he joined in 2016, and there is hope that he will extend his stay at Manchester.
But there will be fierce competition for the services of the 32-year-old after his outstanding campaign for City this season.
And reports from Spain suggest that Barca are willing to offer the midfielder a two-year deal, with a salary of around £10.7million a year (€12million), with a deal that has been in place between the two sides for weeks. .
Ilkay Gundogan is solely focused on winning the treble with City, despite an uncertain future
Rumors circulated about Barcelona’s interest in the captain after seven years at City
Despite this, his agent – and uncle – Ilhan Gundogan says the player is determined to clinch the treble with City before the end of the season as the Citizens continue to battle for the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
From Diary ASIlhan said he was “surprised” to hear rumors of a confirmed deal with the Blaugrana.
“I’m surprised where the stories come from about a deal that has been closed for weeks,” said Ilhan.
“There is no agreement with any club. Where he will play in the coming years has not yet been decided.
‘Ilkay can win three more major trophies this season as City captain. That’s all he’s focused on right now.’
Barcelona manager Xavi has reportedly made a special request to Gundogan amid the financial turmoil that will dictate the club’s upcoming transfer window.
Barça must reduce wage costs to attract new players at a cost of £178 million.
Disputes over the length of the deal City can offer their captain are said to be a bone of contention between the two sides, with Barcelona willing to give the player a two-year contract.
Barcelona’s Xavi has made a special request for the Germany international, but Pep Guardiola will be hoping to keep his mainstay in midfield.
Gundogan has been a reliable presence for his club since joining Borussia Dortmund seven years ago.
In step with Guardiola, who joined the club in the same year, he was a vital part of City’s most successful era, which saw the Cityzens win four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups and the FA Cup.
But the club’s aim this year will be to replicate their crosstown rivals Man United’s hitherto unrivaled triple Champions League, FA Cup and league titles.
After a restrained 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their first leg on Tuesday, City can already begin to dream of a Champions League semi-final, their FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United taking place next Saturday and the side starting the Premier League weekend just three points from the team at the top of the table, Arsenal.
