Gundogan now belongs to Barcelona

 Gundogan now belongs to Barcelona

Gundogan(Twitter)

The excitement had already begun at the end of the season. Gundogan is leaving Manchester City and heading to Barcelona. The question then arose, where is he going? Four days ago, Sky Sports had also revealed that this midfielder from Germany is joining Barcelona. We were only waiting for Barcelona's official announcement.

After 7 years a wonderful time ends. You made me realize all my dreams. 🏆💯 I will carry you forever in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue! Thank you @ManCity! 💙🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/YLCrsJU0TG

— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) June 26, 2023

Barça has now announced it on their website as well. Gundogan has ended his contract with City and has established a new address at Camp Nou. Barcelona has signed a contract with him for two seasons, which will expire on June 30, 2025. Due to being a free transfer, Barcelona is not incurring any financial expenses in this deal. If the club wishes, they can extend the contract with Gundogan for another year. Barcelona has informed Gundogan of his inclusion in the team through their website. This 32-year-old star's buy-out clause has been set at 40 million euros.

Barcelona's website states, "In order to convince Ilkay Gundogan to join, Barcelona has reached an agreement with him... The club will quickly inform everything about introducing him officially as their player."

Gundogan started his journey to make his mark at Borussia Dortmund in 2011, along with Bocham and Nuremberg. After playing for Dortmund and winning the Bundesliga title, he also reached the final of the Champions League in the 2012-13 season. After Pep Guardiola became the coach of Manchester City in 2016, Gundogan signed his first contract with the club. In his seven seasons at City, he has won 14 trophies, including five league titles. In the last season, he achieved the "treble" by winning the English Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

Last season, Gundogan also captained City. Due to his ability to shine in big matches, City coach Guardiola saw him with a different eye. Regarding leaving the club after so many years, Gundogan said in a statement, "I consider myself fortunate to have been part of Manchester City for the past seven years. Manchester City is my home. I have witnessed many unforgettable moments here. And last season was special—it was the best experience of my career."

Considering the midfield situation, Barcelona recruited Gundogan. Barcelona will not be able to acquire the long-serving defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets in the upcoming season. They bid farewell to Barcelona last season. Coach Xavier Hernández brought in Gundogan to fill the void. In addition to filling the void, Gundogan is skilled in precise passing, attacking, and scoring goals. Now it remains to be seen how successful Gundogan will be in the new environment.