There are no doubts that Barcelona will enter the market for a new midfielder in the coming summer.
This has accentuated the need for a new midfielder in the coming summer, one who can not only enhance the quality of the current setup but also provide experience and settle in quickly with Xavi’s tactical philosophy.
That is why Barça have been keeping close tabs on Ilkay Gundogan.
The Manchester City star is one of the most appealing commodities on the market, as his current contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the season.
According to Joan Fontes, Barcelona have already kickstarted the process of signing Gundogan on a free transfer in the summer.
It is clear that Barcelona have the opportunity to sign Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Gundogan indeed is holding out for a two-year contract and a salary of €10 million per season, which is quite a fortune for Barcelona, especially under the current economic circumstances.
The addition of Gundogan with such a high salary, therefore, might not make much economic sense.
That means the club may have to do some convincing if they want the player to join the ranks at Barça for a lower salary in the coming season.