Ilkay Gundogan Joins Barcelona

FC Barcelona have announced the signing of their newest addition: Manchester City skipper/midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan.

Per a club statement released on Monday, 26 June, Gundogan is joining Barca on a free transfer from the English outfit. The deal will run for two years, with the option for a year’s extension plus a €400 million-buyout clause.

“He is … an attacking midfielder who reads the game to perfection and also knows how to put the ball in the back of the net,” the statement reads. “Basically, he is one of the world’s best midfielders of the last decade or so.”

Since 2016, the 32-year-old German has scored 60 goals in 304 appearances for the Citizens, and has been instrumental in helping them lift the English Premier League championship five times between 2018 and 2023.

“Goodbyes are never easy, but it’s even harder with this team,” he admitted in a tribute titled “Thank You, City”, published also on Monday. “When I had to break the news to the boys that I was leaving in our group chat, I was very emotional. I will miss all of them, honestly.

“But I am happy to say that I’m leaving here as a champion, and I have nothing but love for the club in my heart.”

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