Manchester City will not pay a transfer fee for Ilkay Gundogan | OneFootball

Ilkay Gundogan’s departure from Barcelona is edging ever closer. The 33-year-old midfielder, who only joined the club last summer, is set to re-join Manchester City, having resigned himself to the fact that his exit is the wish for the Catalans’ hierarchy.

Gundogan is a high earner, and his wages would help massively in Barcelona’s efforts to register all of their players before the end of the summer. This is especially the case for big-money signing Dani Olmo, who was unavailable to play against Valencia last season in the La Liga opener.

Barcelona’s desperation to orchestrate Gundogan’s departure is amplified by the fact that they are willing to forego a transfer fee, meaning that Man City would be able to sign him for the same price that he left for in 2023. This was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Matteo Moretto has also confirmed reports that Gundogan’s agent is currently in Manchester to negotiate terms with Man City.

It’s becoming increasingly that the financial situation at Barcelona is much worse than club officials let on. Gundogan’s impending departure is undoubtedly a blow, as he is one of the key leaders in the dressing room – and that’s even before taking into account his footballing ability.