Ilkay Gundogan will become a free agent once his contract with Manchester City expires on June 30, as per sources who have confirmed the deal to ESPN.
Gundogan, 32, has agreed to a 2-year contract with Barcelona, with a third year option, after turning down an offer to extend his seven-season stay at City, as well as proposals from Premier League side Arsenal and Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
The deal is pending the results of a physical, which Gundogan completed on Wednesday, as per reports.
Barcelona’s ongoing financial troubles forced them to go into the free agency market and ESPN disclosed in March that the club was in contact with the Germany international.
As reported by ESPN, City are unwilling to match Barca’s financial offer and will only extend a one-year deal with a one-year option for a second.
Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie both joined on free transfers last summer, and ESPN reports that defender Inigo Martinez is also expected to join Barcelona once his contract with Athletic Club expires this month.
Gundogan joins Barcelona after coach Xavi Hernandez expressed a desire to boost the team’s creativity and goal total from midfield after missing out on Lionel Messi, who will join Inter Miami.