Barcelona sign former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan

Spanish Football Club Barcelona have announced the signing of former Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer after he left the reigning Champions League winner following the 2022/23 season. Gundogan is finally leaving City after joining the club in 2016.

Gundogan began his career at VfL Bochum in 2007. After that, the German Football player made his debut for the club in 2009. He moved to 1. FC N¼rnberg in 2009, and helped the club to get promoted to Bundesliga in 2010. Gundogan signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2011, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in his first season. He also helped Dortmund reach the UEFA Champions League Final in 2013.

The 32-year-old moved to Manchester City in 2016 for a fee of ã27 million. Since then, he has won five Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League with the club. He also has been named in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions.

Talking about his international career, Gundogan has made over 50 appearances for the German national team. He has been a part of the UEFA European Championship in 2012, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2020.

‘Gundogan has a long and distinguished football career behind him’ – states Barcelona’s official website

The midfielder scored a brace against Manchester United in the FA Cup final this year and was also their captain for the last campaign. Now, he has been snapped up by Barcelona on a free and on a two-year contract with an option for an extra year. Gundogan has a release clause of 400 million euros attached to him.

“FC Barcelona and Ilkay Gundogan have reached an agreement for the German international to sign for the Catalans now that his contract with Manchester City has ended. He 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 400 million euros. The club shall shortly be announcing the details of his official presentation. Gundogan turns 33 next October 24 and has a long and distinguished football career behind him,” read the statement on Barcelona’s website.