Barcelona 'considering January move for Ilkay Gundogan'

Ilkay Gundogan, a midfielder for Manchester City, is apparently a target for Barcelona during the January transfer window.During the 2022-23 season, the 32-year-old, who made 20 appearances across all competitions,was once again a crucial member of the Citizens, contributing two goals and two assists.

In addition to appearing in all six of his team's Champions League group stage games,Gundogan has made 12 Premier League appearances this season.But because the midfielder's deal with Manchester is set to end in June of next year,there has been a lot of talk about his whereabouts recently.

Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona is closely monitoring his positionwith the Citizens and may make a bid in the January transfer window.According to the report, the head coach of the La Liga team,Xavi, has a "strong interest" in luring the German international to Camp Nou.

As things stand, Barcelona would be free to speak with Gundogan about a contract at the beginning of 2023,but they would need to come to an agreement with Man City on a transfer cost if they wanted to sign him in January.

After moving to the Citizens from Borussia Dortmund in July 2016, Gundogan has made 273 appearances for the Premier League team across all competitions, scoring 51 goals and dishing out 35 assists.

During an extremely successful time in Manchester, the midfielder won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and four EFL Cup crowns.

Gundogan recently said that Pep Guardiola's future at Man City might affect him, although the Spaniard has since signed a new contract to remain the club's head coach.

I'm quite calm, confident with my situation and happy where I am. I don't feel there is a decision to take right now. It's quite normal to have rumours when you're in this situation.

Gundogan recently told reporters.

Also, the manager's contract is expiring in the summer, too, so I don't really know what's going to happen with him - no-one really knows.

If you look back to my career then you will see everywhere I was, it was because of the manager that was there.

At the 2022 World Cup, Gundogan, who has also been connected to Galatasaray, is presently playing for Germany. He started both of their Group E matches against Spain and Japan, scoring from the penalty spot against the latter on November 23.

Sergio Busquets contract is set to expire at the end of June, so if he leaves, Barcelona will need to sign at least one new centre midfielder for the upcoming season.

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