Barcelona Acquires Manchester City Captain Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan - FC Internazionale v Manchester City FC - UEFA Champions League Final 2022/23

(Photo : Michael Steele/Getty Images) ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy after the team's victory after the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final match between FC Internazionale and Manchester City FC at Ataturk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey.

The transfer window has not officially begun, but FC Barcelona has already boosted their midfield.

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is set to move to the Catalan club on a free transfer after agreeing to a two-year deal with an option for a third year, as Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed.

Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona, here we go! Final approval arrived on club side to register him as new signing, green light from the player. It’s done deal, signed few minutes ago. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB

Gündogan has agreed a two year deal valid until June 2025 with option for further year. pic.twitter.com/Gr467hNBms
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023

Still, no official announcement is expected today as the midfielder plans to relay the news to Manchester City first as a matter of respect, where he is still on contract until June 30.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta gave a thumbs up when asked about the deal with the 32-year-old.

Gundogan's wife Sara reportedly played a major role in the signing by pushing her husband to sign with Barcelona for years.

Ilkay Gundogan: Treble-Winning Captain

The German midfielder was the captain of the Premier League team, Manchester City, during their historic 2022-23 campaign, which saw them achieve a continental treble by winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and the Champions League.

He notably scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history at the beginning of the month, finding the net in just 13 seconds of play. Gundogan scored another goal in the second half to secure the trophy for City. He was named Man of the Match.

İlkay Gündoğan has scored the quickest ever FA Cup final goal, clocking in at just 13 seconds ⚡️

13 SECONDS. HE IS 𝗛𝗜𝗠!🤯 pic.twitter.com/6VyYIRFsqu
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 3, 2023

Gundogan has won 14 trophies with Manchester City since joining the club in 2016. He previously played for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, where they won the league title and DFB-Pokal in 2011-12.