Barcelona boss Xavi ‘makes special request to get Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan’ on a free transfer in the summer, with the German out of contract at the Etihad at the end of the season… despite the Catalan giants having to slash their wage bill
- Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly made a “special request” for Ilkay Gundogan
- The German midfielder’s contract at Manchester City runs out this summer
- Xavi wants to bring Gundogan to the Nou Camp despite their financial problems
Xavi has made a special request to get Manchester City‘s Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona this summer, according to a new report.
Gundogan, 32, has been an important part of the Citizens since 2016, helping them to four Premier League titles.
But the German’s contract expires at the end of the season, and despite Pep Guardiola’s admiration of the midfielder, it looks like he may exit the Etihad soon.
The Athletic report that Barcelona boss Xavi has made a “special request” to obtain the services of Gundogan in the summer – despite the club’s financial woes.
It is reported that the midfielder’s move to Spain is now ‘likely’, as negotiations reach a pivotal point ahead of the German’s free availability in the off-season.
Ilkay Gundogan’s contract at Man City expires at the end of the season after seven years there
Barcelona manager Xavi has reportedly made a “special request” to sign Gundogan for free
Barcelona are strapped for cash due to a woeful performance in Europe this season, falling at the Champions League group stage, and then a Europa League exit at the hands of Manchester United.
The legal issues have also hit their bid to secure the services of talented young man Gavi, and it seems that he could be allowed to leave the club for free due to a clause in his contract, signed before he made his first-team debut.
Gundogan has made 290 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in his seven years in north-west England, scoring 53 times.
However, Manchester City have struggled to come close to an agreement which would see the midfielder extend his time in the Premier League, with disputes over the length of any deal and the personal conditions attached.
Gundogan has scored 53 goals for the club, but they’re not close to agreeing new terms
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