There are no doubts that Barcelona will enter the market for a new midfielder in the coming summer. If finding a replacement for Sergio Busquets wasn’t already a priority, the club’s midfield unit has been badly exposed in recent games due to the absence of the injured Pedri.
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.
Last Wednesday, the club officials including president Joan Laporta met Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and the club CEO Ferran Soriano to discuss the future of Gundogan.
Barça also have an excellent relationship with Gundogan’s uncle, who acts as an agent for the German international.
It is clear that Barcelona have the opportunity to sign Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season. But the club could be bogged down by the player’s salary demands.
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 Blaugrana, after all, have a monumental task of reducing €200 million from their wage bill in the summer.
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. The role of Xavi could be key.
Manchester City star to extend contract until 2028 ‘in the coming days’
Julian Alvarez is set to put pen to paper on improved Manchester City terms, according to new information this week.
Alvarez joined City in the summer of 2022 and has shown glimpses of his potential in the limited game time he has had so far. The Argentine striker has mainly been used as a substitute under Pep Guardiola, but has impressed with his pace, movement, and technical ability on the ball.
Despite his lack of game time, Julian Alvarez has shown a willingness to work hard and contribute to the team’s success, with his performances having caught the eye of fans and football enthusiasts around the world.
While it is still early in his City career, there is no doubt that Julian Alvarez has the talent and potential to be a valuable asset for the club. His ability to play in different positions across the front line gives the team added flexibility, and his work ethic and commitment to the team’s success make him a valuable addition to the squad.
As he continues to settle in at the club and adapt to the demands of English football, fans will be hoping to see more of his exciting potential on display, and that view is certainly one shared by those in boardroom positions – if the latest report is proven to be accurate.
According to reporting from Veronica Brunati, an offer has already been made to Julian Alvarez by Manchester City regarding improved contractual terms – a new deal that the Argentina international is set to sign ‘in the coming days’.
The 23 year-old is currently contracted to the Etihad Stadium until 2027, after only joining the club during the most recent summer transfer window.
However, in extending his deal by a further 12 months, Alvarez will see his deal improved and extended until the summer of 2028.
Alvarez will be hoping to play an integral role in Manchester City’s coming fixtures, during an important phase of the season for the Etihad club, especially in their pursuit of the trophies that remain available to them.
City’s next game is an FA Cup fifth round match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate. The hosts will be hoping to cause an upset and knock the Premier League champions out of the competition, but Guardiola’s side have been in great form in tournaments this season.
Following the FA Cup match, Manchester City will face a tough Premier League clash against Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium. The Magpies have proven to be a tough opponent in the past and the match is expected to be closely contested. City will be looking to secure all three points to maintain their position close to the top of the table and keep the pressure on their title rivals.
These two fixtures are important for City as they continue to compete in both the FA Cup and the Premier League alongside their Champions League exploits. With a talented squad and a world-class manager in Pep Guardiola, City have the ability to compete with any team in the world and will be looking to showcase their quality in both of these important matches.
Source: barcauniversal.com; cityxtra.co.uk
