Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has left the club to join Barcelona following the expiration of his contract.
Gundogan leaves Manchester on the back of the club’s greatest season, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies within the space of a month.
He spent seven years at the Etihad Stadium since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, and manager Pep Guardiola had publicly hinted at his own desire to extend that stay further.
İlkay Gündoğan joins FC Barcelona from Manchester City on a free transfer.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/SSUsNPdkiM
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 26, 2023
However, the length of the deal on offer for the 32-year-old – one year plus an option of a further 12 months – was a sticking point, and he has instead penned a two-year contract, also including a 12-month option, with LaLiga champions Barcelona. His release clause has been set at €400m.
Gündoğan has a message for you, culers 🤳 pic.twitter.com/yoajjeqbMU
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 26, 2023
Ilkay Gündogan spent 7 years at Man City, the German played 304 games scored 60 goals and gave 40 assists winning 14 trophies in the process.