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Barcelona face Ilkay Gundogan dilemma amid player’s contract demands

Barcelona face Ilkay Gundogan dilemma amid player’s contract demands

Barcelona could struggle in their quest to snap up Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer this summer, according to SPORT.

Gundogan’s current deal with the Premier League champions runs out at the end of the season, and he looks set to end a six-year association with the Cityzens.

Spanish league leaders Barca are poised to welcome the former Germany international to Spotify Camp Nou, but their financial situation could prove a major stumbling block.

Having overstretched their wage bill by some distance, the Catalan giants have been informed by La Liga that they will need to raise substantial revenue to make any foray into the summer market.

Barca are currently struggling to register several players, including academy graduates Gavi and Ronaldo Araujo and stalwart Sergi Roberto, who have committed their long-term future to the club.

However, the Blaugranas have guaranteed Gundogan he will be registered upon joining the club this summer.

Both parties have agreed a two-year deal, but the salary package is where the Spanish giants may struggle in their bid to appease the midfielder.

The Man City captain currently earns around €8 million a year, and Barca will struggle to match those figures, especially with their current economy.


The 32-year-old knows he has one big contract left, and while he harbours the idea of playing at Camp Nou, the numbers on offer will have to be convincing for a deal to be finalised.

It remains to be seen if Barca will stretch their new wage bracket for the four-time English champions or convince the player to accept a reduced salary. 

Either way, the club is convinced a deal can be reached despite the player’s agent claiming his future remains up in the air.

Gundogan remains a key part of Pep Guardiola’s side this season amassing three goals and three assists in 24 games.

He was also in on the goalscoring act in the Champions League demolition of RB Leipzig in mid-March.

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