Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions, have made a significant acquisition in the form of Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder, who recently bid farewell to Manchester City after their triumphant treble-winning campaign, has joined the Spanish club on a free transfer. Barcelona confirmed the news by announcing that Gundogan has inked a two-year contract.

Gundogan’s new deal with Barcelona extends until June 2025, with an option to extend for an additional year. The club also revealed that they have included a staggering buyout clause of 400 million euros ($436 million) in the midfielder’s contract. Such a clause demonstrates the confidence Barcelona has in Gundogan’s abilities and their commitment to retaining his services. Follow your favourite La Liga team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

At the age of 32, Gundogan departs Manchester City after a successful seven-year tenure. His captaincy during the previous season’s Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League triumphs solidified his place in City’s history. The talented midfielder has accumulated an impressive collection of 14 trophies during his time in England, including five league titles.

Expressing his gratitude, Gundogan stated, “For me, being a part of Manchester City for the last seven years has been an absolute privilege and pleasure.” He went on to describe Manchester as his home, emphasizing the sense of belonging he felt within the City family. Gundogan cherishes the multitude of unforgettable moments he experienced during his tenure and regards leading the team as the pinnacle of his career.

Gundogan’s arrival at Manchester City in 2016 marked Pep Guardiola’s first major signing as the club’s manager. Despite initially being sidelined with a knee injury, Gundogan proved his worth time and time again, especially in crucial matches where his goals played a pivotal role in securing numerous trophies for the team.

Throughout his City career, Gundogan made over 300 appearances, netting an impressive 60 goals and providing 40 assists across all competitions. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, with Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, describing Gundogan as an inspiration to everyone associated with the club. Begiristain added, “Ilkay has truly left an indelible mark on the history of Manchester City, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career.”

Barcelona, under the guidance of coach Xavi, will greatly benefit from Gundogan’s wealth of experience. His arrival fills a void left by the departure of long-serving midfielder Sergio Busquets, who bid farewell to the Catalan club after an illustrious 18-year tenure. While Barcelona secured the La Liga title last season, their premature exits from the Champions League group stage and the Copa del Rey semifinals highlighted the need for reinforcements and the importance of acquiring players of Gundogan’s caliber.

With Gundogan now donning the famous Blaugrana colors, Barcelona aims to reclaim their dominance in both domestic and international competitions. The midfielder’s presence and skill set are expected to bolster the team’s midfield and provide Xavi with a crucial asset as they strive for further success in the upcoming season. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.