In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Barcelona are hoping to land Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan this winter. It has been revealed that the Catalan outfit are eager to strengthen their squad by recruiting the German international during this January transfer window.
Gundogan’s Decent Run Of Form At Man City This Season
The 32-year-old is having another fine season at Manchester after putting in some impressive performances at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Gundogan has found the back of the net two times and earned two assists in 20 appearances for Man City during this campaign across multiple competitions.
The German talent has proven his worth by averaging 1.8 shots and 1.9 key passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been accurate with his ball distribution after completing 89.7% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
The 64-time German international’s current deal at the Etihad Stadium will run out at the end of this campaign which could invite Barca to seal a move for him on the cheap this January.
What Will Gundogan Add To Barcelona Boss Xavi’s Side?
Gundogan can get stuck in with some solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition in the middle of the pitch. He can even make an interception when playing with confidence on the field and has got a knack for finding space to get a few strikes in at goal. The German sensation is a decent playmaker as well in the final third and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from midfield. He is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also act as a defensive midfielder or play in the number ten position when asked to do so.
At 32, Gundogan might still have a few good years left in him to play at a high level. Hence, he will serve as a good, short-term signing for Barcelona this winter.
Gundogan will no doubt add more goals, creativity and experience to Xavi‘s midfield department at the Nou Camp. He could even help the Catalan club close the gap to Real Madrid at the top of Spanish football over the next few years.
Gundogan will be a great leader in the Barca dressing room and might even aid Xavi to get the best out of youngsters like Pedri and Gavi at the Catalan club in the coming seasons.