Barça optimistic about signing Manchester City midfielder Gündogan
The German is out of contract in the summer and considering his options
Ilkay Gündogan is one of FC Barcelona's targets to strengthen their squad for next season. The German midfielder's contract with Manchester City expires on 30 June and the Catalan giants, who have been keeping a close eye on the free-agent market for several years, are optimistic that they can convince the 32-year-old to join them. In the last few days, significant progress has been made in the negotiations.
Talks between Barça and Gündogan have intensified because the player has lowered his initial financial demands in exchange for a longer contract and the Catalan club are willing to offer him one. While City have proposed to the midfielder to renew his contract year by year, Barça have assured him more stability in the long term. He could sign for three years at the end of the current season.
Xavi Hernández is generally satisfied with his team's season, but believes that some positions need to be strengthened this summer. The Blaugrana's results when Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have been injured have shown the need to give consistency to the midfield with the arrival of a proven player. Even more so after the announcement of the departure of captain Sergio Busquets. Gündogan is one of the options that generates the most consensus in the offices at Spotify Camp Nou.
It is worth remembering that Barça are waiting for LaLiga to approve their viability plan next week, which will authorise them to start making moves. There are many advanced negotiations such as the signing of Gündogan, but until Javier Tebas' body gives its 'OK', Barcelona will not be able to begin its strategy to put together a competitive squad at the highest level for the 2023/24 campaign.
