Barca believe in Gundogan’s word despite City rumours
The German midfielder had agreed to join Xavi’s team
Barça remain confident of signing Ilkay Gundogan despite the fact that those close to Manchester City now believe that the midfielder will end up renewing his contract. The English club have changed their first offer and are offering him a two-year contract at almost the same big bucks salary as his current one, and the player is hesitating.
Gundogan had broken off negotiations with Manchester City because they were only offering him an extra year on his contract. The German international interpreted this as an invitation to leave and looked for a destination, prioritising his arrival at Barça. Both he and his family want to live in Spain and the talks were progressing well.
It is also true that Barça demanded a reduction in their demands to be able to sign him as Gundogan, at the beginning, asked for the same salary as at City, around 10 million euros a year. Finally, the Blaugrana guaranteed him three years and Gundogan gave the OK by talking to Xavi Hernandez, who explained the role he would have in the team.
Barça insist that they trust the word given by Gundogan, but it is also true that nothing has been signed and the return of Manchester City has raised doubts. The two years that they would offer him while maintaining the salary is tempting, although it seems that Gundogan believes that he has finished a cycle in England and wants to try new challenges.
What is clear to Barça is that they will not be able to formalise anything until after the Champions League final, as the player does not want to announce his future until the official competitions are over.
