Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed the "name of the first player requested by current head coach Xavi Hernandez in the current transfer market." This statement was made during an interview with the Spanish newspaper "Sport," where Laporta confirmed that "this signing took a lot of effort from the work team to secure, despite the involvement of several parties." He stated that it is "a very special deal, as he received many offers, and it was the first name Xavi asked us to pursue in the transfer market, and we have been working to sign him for months."
He added: "Finally, Gundogan has come to Barcelona; he made the decision to join us, and it was a signing that strengthens our position both sports-wise and institutionally." The British newspaper "The Athletic" reported that "32-year-old Ilkay Gundogan signed a two-year contract with FC Barcelona, earning an annual salary of 9 million euros, with an option to extend for a third season."
The newspaper noted that "the German star Ilkay Gundogan's contract with the Catalan club includes a release clause worth 400 million euros." Gundogan played 304 matches with Manchester City, during which he scored 60 goals and provided 40 assists, winning 14 titles. It is worth mentioning that Gundogan will travel with Barcelona's squad heading to the United States for several friendly matches in preparation for the new season, the most notable of which will be against Real Madrid.
