FC Barcelona Set To Sign Gundogan After Player Passes Medical: Reports

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is set to sign for FC Barcelona as a free agent on Wednesday after passing his medical, according to Relevo.

The German international has passed the medical in his homeland and will sign a contract for two years plus an additional season once the examination is complete, the Spanish outlet reports.

On Monday, Relevo reported that there was a “total” agreement between the Catalans and the 32-year-old, who is coming off a history-making, treble-winning season at the Etihad sealed by his double in the FA Cup final against Manchester United and leading his team to beating Inter Milan in the Champions League last hurdle in Istanbul.

Gundogan joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. The Mancunians wanted him to stay at their club, but attempts to make the player commit his future to them failed.

The Abu Dhabi-owned outfit offered Gundogan just one fixed year and an additional, optional season whereas Barca have arguably shown more faith in the midfielder by offering a guaranteed two years plus an extra one.

The extra year Gundogan can play at Camp Nou depends on the amount of appearances he makes, according to Relevo.

After deciding to buy into Xavi Hernandez’s blossoming project in Catalonia, Gundogan is expected to sign his contract on Wednesday and his signature should be announced immediately by his new employers.

Gundogan will become Barca’s second signing of the summer after Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez.

As is common with the Blaugrana’s dealings in the transfer market in recent windows, however, it is doubtful that either man’s contract can be registered rightaway.

This is because of Barca’s struggles in navigating Financial Fair Play limits. Though their viability plan was approved by La Liga in recent weeks, Barca cannot operate under the 1:1 rule yet and need to make sales in order to introduce fresh faces.

After landing Gundogan, Xavi will still want a more defensive, ‘pivot’ midfielder to replace outgoing captain Sergio Busquets, who is leaving the club on June 30 after almost 15 years in the first team.

Targets for the position include Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Fiorentina’s Qatar 2022 breakout star Sofyan Amrabat.