Recent reports from The Sun state that Barcelona are keen on signing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in the ongoing transfer window as Ronald Koeman looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.
The report further states that the Spanish giants have been keeping close tabs on the German international for months now; however, after Georginio Wijnaldum’s transfer hijack, they are expected to step up their pursuit.
Manchester City are in no hurry to part ways with the player, but Pep Guardiola reportedly wants to make some room for the arrival of Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.
Gundogan’s Amazing Season At The Etihad
Despite failing to win the Champions League, Ilkay Gundogan had an incredible 2020/21 season as he helped the Citizens claim their 7th Premier League title. Added to this, he finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 17 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.
The German international managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this season – averaging 1.9 shots, 1.5 key passes, 1 dribble and 1.6 long balls per 90 minutes in the English top-flight. Furthermore, with 61.2 passes played per game with a success rate of 91.7%, Gundogan has been one of the best passers of his side this term.
It goes without saying that the 30-year-old midfielder played an instrumental role in Manchester City’s charge to their seventh Premier League title, and an average WhoScored rating of 7.29 only highlights how impressive his overall game was last season.
Should Guardiola Cash In On Him?
Gundogan has been one of the most consistent players for his side over the last five years or so. Even last season, Guardiola deployed him in a more attacking role, and it’d be an understatement to say that he did well to fit himself in that position.
In fact, there were times when he ran the show and left the fans in awe of his wondrous finishing skills.
At 30, the ex-Dortmund star still has a lot to offer, and Pep Guardiola should avoid selling him at all costs. He adds stability to City’s midfield, and he might as well establish himself as a leader at the centre of the park in the next couple of years.
(Stats: WhoScored)
