Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona on free transfer after leaving Manchester City

Updated 26/06/2023 at 08:34 GMT

Barcelona have announced the signing of Ilkay Gundogan. The 32-year-old Germany international midfielder moves to Camp Nou on a free transfer after departing Manchester City at the end of his deal. Gundogan captained Pep Guardiola's City to a historic Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble in 2022/23 and leaves after seven years at the Etihad.

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Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City, penning a two-year deal at Camp Nou with a release clause of €400m.

The Germany international departed the Etihad at the end of his contract after playing a key role in City’s Treble success.

Gundogan was reportedly in talks with City about a contract extension before agreeing to join Barca, while Arsenal were also linked with a move.

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His departure ends a seven-year spell in Manchester where the German won a litany of major honours.

The central midfielder won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League with City.

In 2022/23, Gundogan captained The Citizens to an unprecedented Treble.

He scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history after 12 seconds against Manchester United and lifted the club’s first Champions League trophy in Istanbul following victory over Inter Milan.

"After 7 years a wonderful time ends," he wrote on Twitter.

"You made me realize all my dreams. I will carry you forever in my heart. Once a blue, always a blue! Thank you Manchester City"

Gundogan scored 11 goals and produced seven assists in 51 games in all competitions and leaves City with a combined total of 60 goals in 304 appearances.

He joins a Barca side that won the La Liga title in 2022/23 but suffered a disappointing group stage exit in the Champions League.

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