Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City, penning a two-year deal at Camp Nou with a release clause of €400m. The Germany international departed the Etihad at the end of his contract after playing a key role in City’s Treble success. Ad Gundogan was reportedly in talks with City about a contract extension before agreeing to join Barca, while Arsenal were also linked with a move.
Ballon d'Or'The one player who deserves it most' — Gundogan backs Lewandowski for award28/11/2021 AT 11:14 His departure ends a seven-year spell in Manchester where the German won a litany of major honours. The central midfielder won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League with City. In 2022/23, Gundogan captained The Citizens to an unprecedented Treble.
He scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history after 12 seconds against Manchester United and lifted the club’s first Champions League trophy in Istanbul following victory over Inter Milan. «After 7 years a wonderful time ends,» he wrote on Twitter. «You made me realize all my dreams.
I will carry you forever in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue! Thank you Manchester City» Gundogan scored 11 goals and produced seven assists in 51 games in all competitions and leaves City with a combined total of 60 goals in 304 appearances. He joins a Barca side that won the La Liga title in 2022/23 but suffered a disappointing group stage exit in the Champions League.
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