Barcelona have already expressed their grown interest in Manchester City’s captain Ilkay Gundogan and yet again chase the German with an improved offer. The Blaugranas are behind the 32-year-old and want him at any cost.
Initially, Barcelona had proposed a three-year contract with an annual salary of €9 million for Gundogan, who is approaching the latter stages of his football career. However, they have now raised the stakes, reportedly offering €30 million over three years, demonstrating their increased desire to bring him to Camp Nou.
Pep Guardiola does not want his captain to leave and after a mind-boggling performance in the latter stages this season why would he want him to let go. The midfielder was brilliant in essential matches for City, particularly the FA Cup final against Manchester United where he scored two match-winner volleys from outside the 18-yard box.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are reluctant of giving a long-term deal to Gundogan, obviously considering his age. The Cityzens lethargy can be an added advantage to Barcelona who are pushing for the deal to be penned as soon as possible. Also, the captain who led City to a historic treble won back in 1999 by Manchester United is on a free transfer now giving Barcelona one more reason to be stubborn in their approach.
After the exit of Sergio Busquets this season, the Spanish giants require a captain figure who suits their style of play and who is better than a learnt student of Pep Guardiola. Gundogan will be a brutal force alone to them who in a way can help young players like Gavi and Pedro develop their full potential. Without Gundogan, Frenkie De Jong is the most experienced and he too would fancy an experienced hand in the midfield.
Barcelona’s only issue is their financial problem and constraints with a contract just like they faced one with Messi. They are not able to give confidence to Gundogan and in return are expecting for a leap of faith; to leave the best club in Europe and join a restructuring force.
Gundogan is a trained match-winner now and getting him alongside the likes of Lewandowski, Ter Stegen, and Sergi Roberto will regain Barca’s force in Europe.
