Transfer News: Ilkay Gündogan Joins FC Barcelona

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan is set to join FC Barcelona on a free transfer. The German international is out of contract at the end of June and has agreed to a three-year contract with Barcelona. Gündogan was in talks with Manchester City over a new deal, but the length of the deal on offer – one year plus an option of a further 12 months – was a sticking point. Arsenal was also interested in signing Gündogan.

The midfielder had completed his medical with Barcelona and met with the club’s sporting director to sign his contract, which will keep him at the Nou Camp for two years with an option for a third year. Gündogan is seen as someone who can help improve Barcelona’s creativity and goal count from midfield after missing out on Lionel Messi.