Following the news of Sergio Busquets’ exit at the end of the season, Barcelona naturally have to enter the market for a new midfielder.
Coach Xavi Hernandez wants to bring in a new player who can operate in the pivot position and complement the interior midfielders.
For a while, his ‘wet dream’ has been Real Sociedad starlet Martin Zubimendi. However, Barça have practically ruled out the option due to his hefty €60 million release clause.
This leaves Ilkay Gundogan as a valuable option for Barcelona. And according to Javi Miguel (h/t FCB World), the operation is taking shape, with Xavi finally receiving the green light from Gundogan to become the next player for Barcelona in the new season.
Barcelona were waiting for Gundogan’s approval for Xavi, who has been very picky when it comes to signing a midfielder. He is aware of the fact that Gundogan can operate in the defensive midfield spot, but he wanted a specialist in the position.
Nevertheless, the Gundogan operation could be on, with Barcelona likely to hand him a three-year contract. He will earn less than what he currently does at Manchester City, which poses an issue given the fact that the player was holding out for a higher salary package.
Other top clubs across Europe have taken note of Gundogan’s situation and are likely to pursue him in the coming, given that he is available as a free agent.
But with Barcelona offering a lucrative sporting project, it appears the German international is ready to pack his bags and move to Camp Nou, where he will likely serve as the short-term replacement for Busquets, before the club eventually signs a new midfielder.