'Optimism soars' as Barcelona transfer 'IMMINENT'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 20 Jun 2023 07:25 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona's signing of Ilkay Gundogan is 'imminent,' according to Spanish media.

The midfielder has won all there is to win after leading Manchester City to a historic treble and he could soon be making the switch to the Camp Nou. Indeed, reports linking the German with a move to Barcelona have been making the rounds for months.

Out of contract this summer, Gundogan's future is still up in the air. Manchester City want to keep him around, but Barcelona - despite their financial struggles - are reportedly prepared to propose a better deal, at least in terms of length, offering the 32-year-old what is believed to be a three-year contract.

City boss Pep Guardiola recently admitted that there is concrete interest from Barcelona, but he also reiterated his hope that Gundogan would stay put. "I know," the Spaniard said, "Barca love Gundogan and Xavi has called him many times. We want him to continue [here]. If, in the end, he decides to join Barca, I will tell him that he will have a great time."

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Now, Spanish outlet Relevo claims that a deal is about to be wrapped up.

Barcelona get their man

According to the report, 'optimism soars' in Barcelona's front office. "Everything," they go on to write, "indicates that the signing is in its final stretch and that he could even sign his contract with Barcelona Football Club in the next few hours..."

In fact, Gundogan's incorporation into the Barcelona squad is 'imminent,' they claim. Gundogan is said to be ready for a change of scenery and he wants what is likely to be his last big contract to be with Barcelona, a "beautiful city," as he stated when asked about the Blaugrana's interest.

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Whether a deal is indeed 'imminent' remains to be seen, but Guardiola's comments certainly suggest that Gundogan's departure is a distinct possibility. It would be a big get for Barcelona, that is for certain.