Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'hold talks with Ilkay Gundogan's agent'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 17 February 2023

Barcelona are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to the club this summer, with Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets set to depart.

Barcelona have reportedly held a meeting with the representatives of Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, as the La Liga giants look to prise him away from the Premier League champions.

With Sergio Busquets out of contract in the summer and Frenkie de Jong expected to leave the club following his alleged falling out with the club's hierarchy, Barcelona are on the lookout for reinforcements in midfield.

The Mirror have reported that the Germany international is a key transfer target for the current La Liga leaders.

In seven seasons in Manchester, Gundogan has been a Premier League champion on four occasions, including playing a pivotal role in their title success last season, scoring twice in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa on the final day which clinched success.

Gundogan's potential arrival at Barcelona would only give further substance to the rumours that De Jong will depart in the summer.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is a big admirer, having managed De Jong at Ajax, and after failing to bring him to Old Trafford last summer, that transfer could be on the cards this time around.

Barcelona boss Xavi is keen to retain his services though, and to keep the technically gifted trio of him, Gavi and Pedri together in midfield at Camp Nou.