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Barcelona To Sweep Man City Star In January
As club football enters the early mid-season hiatus, Barcelona have already started preparing for the upcoming January transfer window.
In their attempt to further strengthen the squad, Xavi Hernandez is still determined to secure the services of Bernardo Silva. However, the club are aware of the fact that signing the Manchester City superstar will be almost impossible due to the financial implications of a deal.
As such, the Catalans have identified an ideal alternative in the form of Ilkay Gundogan, reports Mundo Deportivo. The former Borussia Dortmund starlet, who is set to represent Germany, in the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, is regarded highly at Barça and the club could make a move in January.
What makes Gundogan such an appealing target for the Catalan giants is his contract situation at Manchester City. The midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of the season and it is likely that he will leave the club without any renewal.
This would make Gundogan a free agent in the summer. But most importantly, it would pave the way for Barcelona to snap up him on a cut-price deal in the upcoming January transfer window.
In addition, Gundogan’s style of play matches the criteria Xavi is looking for. The German international is indeed gifted with technical qualities. He can expertly drift past opposition players and rotate possession in tight spaces. His exposure to both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s style of play makes him a special player.
Barcelona, therefore, could make a move for the German international this January as they look to add a more reliable midfield partner for Pedri in the interior positions.
However, the club are looking for other alternatives in the market as well, including Leicester City star Youri Tielemans, whose contract also expires at the end of the season.
