Ilkay Gundogan makes transfer decision as treble-winning captain set to leave Man City

Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Barcelona, with the player to undergo a medical on Wednesday afternoon, ManchesterWorld understands.

The Manchester City midfielder has been the subject of interest from the Spanish champions and has been locked in negotiations with the club for a number of months. In April a deal looked almost certain, only for City to return to the negotiating table as his on-field contributions became even more significant, with Gundogan scoring braces against Leeds United, Everton and Manchester United in the final weeks of the season, the latter coming in the FA Cup final.

But that double may have been the German international’s final goals in sky blue, with the treble-winning captain now set to join Barca. The player has already agreed personal terms and will leave City on a free transfer given his contract expires at the Etihad at the end of the month.

Gundogan was Pep Guardiola’s first signing as City boss and the ex-Borussia Dortmund star has gone on to win five league titles, the FA Cup on two occasions, four EFL Cups and of course the Champions League crown just two weeks ago.

Guardiola, along with several City players, publicly expressed his desire for Gundogan to remain at City, and there will be disappointment that an extension could not be agreed for a player who made 51 appearances for the champions in 2022/23, the fourth highest in the squad. “He’s an exceptional player and hopefully we can finish it [contract talks] in a good way. Txiki is working and hopefully we can do it," Guardiola said after the FA Cup final win at the start of May.

Spanish outlet Revelo claim Gundogan preferred the three-year offer from Barcelona to a one-year contract with the option for a further 12 months that City suggested. The 31-year-old had attracted interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, but opted to join Xavi's side instead.

The news comes as City close in on the arrival of a new midfielder. Mateo Kovacic's signing from Chelsea is expected to be announced by the beginning of next week, even this week potentially, depending on how quickly the deal can be wrapped up.