Barcelona have now officially announced the signing of German international Ikay Gündoğan on a free transfer after his contract expired at City.
Gündoğan enjoyed a prolific season with Manchester City. He captained his side to historic treble under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
City offered Gündoğan a new contract but the German international opted to take on a fresh challenge at Barcelona. It was a big suprise for supporters, given the level of success he enjoyed last season.
Several clubs tempted to sign him this summer. Arsenal were interested in the 34-year-old, while Saudi Clubs offered him huge salaries.
Barcelona announced the signing in his official website. In a club statement, they said :-
“Gundogan will join for two seasons, through to 30 June 2025, with the option to stay for one more year. His buyout clause has been set at €400m (£342m).
“The club shall shortly be announcing the details of his official presentation. Gündoğan turns 33 next October 24 and has a long and distinguished football career behind him.”
Gündoğan explains why he choose Barcelona
In the Players Tribune, Gündoğan said the Barcelona was his dream club. He said :-
“I am sure it helps that I’m going to his boyhood club. Hopefully we’ll have a reunion soon in a Champions League Final.
“If I was going to move, there is only one club in the world that made sense. It was Barcelona or nothing. Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt some day.
“I am confident that I have a few more years left at the highest level, and I just want to help bring Barcelona back to where they deserve to be. It will be a reunion with my old friend Lewa [Robert Lewandowski], and I’m excited to play under another manager who I have admired for a long time. When Xavi and I talked about the project, it just seemed so natural. I see so many similarities between us as characters and in the way we see the game.
“I know there’s going to be a lot of pressure at Barcelona. But I love pressure. I love to get out of my comfort zone. I was looking for a new challenge. That’s what this next chapter is all about. I can’t wait to play in the Barcelona shirt.”
For more sports update, follow us on Twitter
