Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a move away from the Etihad after his contract expires in the summer, according to stunning reports.
Gundogan, 32, arrived at City in 2016 after the Premier League club paid a reported £20m fee to sign him from Borussia Dortmund.
The City midfielder has enjoyed incredible success since his move to England, with Gundogan lifting four Premier League titles, four League Cups and an FA Cup.
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Gundogan also started in City’s first-ever Champions League final against Chelsea in 2021, but the ex-Dortmund man fell short of securing a winners’ medal on the night.
The Germany international was appointed City’s captain for the current Premier League campaign after Fernandinho’s exit from the club.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Gundogan has attracted interest from La Liga leaders Barcelona ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.
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The City star is now free to speak with clubs outside of England and can sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move to a new club.
It is believed that Barcelona are targeting players who are coming to the end of their contracts in a bid to avoid any transfer fees due to the club’s financial struggles.
Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at City, but he could be allowed to leave as the Spaniard builds for the future and brings through more youthful talent.
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Guardiola has spoken fondly of Gundogan and hailed his impact during his time at the club, with the City manager calling him a player he “will never forget.”
“Gundogan was the first player we signed when I became a manager [at City in 2016]. It is a pleasure to work with people like Ilkay,” he told City’s official website.
“I will never forget him. For me personally and for the team, he is an incredible football player, always grounded.
“He likes to be second position and always you can rely on him 100 per cent. He gave us the Premier League. He can play holding midfielder and attacking midfielder. He is so smart, can talk about the world.
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“That is why he was voted by his mates as captain. We are incredibly happy with the decision we made to have him.
“In the first year he had an ACL injury but from the second season when we started winning the titles, he was there. It’s a joy to have these human beings with you.”
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City, Premier League, England, Football, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain