Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City, is expected to sign with Barcelona, according to the PA news agency.
It now appears doubtful that the Germany international, whose contract expires this summer, will extend it with the triple champions.
City had given the 32-year-old a fresh one-year deal with the possibility of an additional 12 months, but it’s believed that Barca offered a more alluring, financially rewarding three-year agreement.
The player would be allowed to leave because the city is at comfort with the circumstances.
The news comes the same day when City and Chelsea are rumored to have reached a £30 million agreement for the midfielder Mateo Kovacic of Croatia.
The 29-year-old will cost the champions an initial £25 million, with a further $5 million potentially coming later.
Kovacic, who signed from Real Madrid to Chelsea in 2018, has one season left on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
City now anticipates concluding the necessary paperwork with the player, and a formal announcement will come soon after.
Kovacic’s versatility and experience would help make up for Gundogan’s absence.
In his seven years with City, the renowned former Borussia Dortmund midfielder won five Premier League championships, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the Champions League.
Gundogan won three titles this year as City became just the second English team to sweep the board.
The team wanted to keep his services, but considering his advanced age, they decided against matching Barcelona’s offer.
Source: Yendi Media