From Germany: Manchester City hold Ilkay Gundogan contract negotiation ‘advantage’ amid Barcelona interest

Manchester City remains midfielder Ilkay Gundogan’s priority despite growing interest from La Liga giants Barcelona, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Catalan club have been strongly linked with a possible move for the Manchester City captain since the turn of the year, with the German international out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, has won 11 trophies including four Premier League titles with the Sky Blues.

The 32 year-old has played a crucial role in two of City’s title victories, scoring 17 goals during the 2020/21 triumph and netting twice against Aston Villa on the final day of last season.

The German international became club captain in the summer, following the departure of Fernandinho.

Gundogan, who moved to East Manchester from Borussia Dortmund, is currently able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of England after entering the final six months of his current City deal.

The midfielder has played down talk surrounding his future beyond this season amid growing interest from Barcelona in Spain.

City could still agree a new contract with the German international, with journalist Christian Falk reporting that the Sky Blues remain the midfielders ‘priority’ and that he could ‘imagine’ remaining at the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona are reportedly seen as a viable option for the 32 year-old, as Ilhan Gundogan, the City’s captains agent and uncle, currently assesses the market and opportunities at the Camp Nou.

Pep Guardiola penning a new contract until 2025 could also impact Gundogan’s decision, with City holding the ‘advantage’ according to Falk, permitting the club want to keep the German and can make the relevant financial agreements.

Falk further claims that Barcelona are the German’s ‘second option’ and that a ‘bit of poker’ could ensue between the two clubs.