FC Barcelona sign Gundogan from Manchester City - is it a win for Barcelona?
As it had been rumoured, FC Barcelona sign Ilkay Gundogan from Premier League, FA Champions, and Champions League winners Manchester City.
On paper, it looks like a big win for Barcelona. Here is why we think so.
5 reasons why the Gundogan signing is a win for Barcelona
Gundogan is a world-class player
Gundogan, who is 32 years old, was the Manchester City captain during their first ever Champions League title and treble. He is in great form, appearing in 51 games last season, and scoring 11 goals. He is also decisive, as exemplified in how he scored two brilliant goals against Manchester United earlier this month helping secure the FA Cup. He was Guardiola’s first signing at Manchester City, and in 7 years won 5 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 4 EFL Cups, 2 FA Community Shields, and 1 Champions League. He is truly one of the best among the best.
Gundogan understands Barcelona’s soccer philosophy
Gundogan reads the game and masters the use of space. As the leader of Manchester City’s midfield, he provides a good balance between attack and defense, pausing when necessary and creating opportunities when needed. Having become a key player for Guardiola - Xavi Hernandez’s old teacher - he is certain to adapt to Barcelona’s football style too.
It also helps that Gundogan has been a Barcelona fan since childhood. As he stated, “Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamed of wearing that shirt some day.” He has grown up admiring the Barca style and will certainly adapt easily to Xavi.
Gundogan can positive influence for Barcelona’s young midfield
Gundogan’s new partners in Barcelona’s midfield will be youngsters Pedri (20 years old), Gavi (18 years old). With Barcelona’s captain Sergio Busquets having just left, Gundogan can provide the maturity necessary to influence Pedri and Gavi to elevate their game.
Frenkie de Jong and Frank Kessie are both 26 years old. While not “youngsters”, they still have not reached their peak and surely will benefit from a seasoned player like Gundogan.
Gundogan is hungry and ready for a new challenge at Barcelona
So much has been said about why would Gundogan leave Manchester City where he literally had the best team in the world and had just won the Champions League. But that itself is the reason: winning at Barcelona now is a much bigger challenge than at Manchester City.
Gundogan is ready for this new challenge. Of his move, he said, “I am confident that I have a few more years left at the highest level, and I just want to help bring Barcelona back to where they deserve to be”
Gundogan joins Barcelona for free
World class player, understands the Barca style, is a role model for the Barca youngsters, and is hungry… All for free.
I might even say potentially this could be Barcelona’s best signing in their history, perhaps only behind the legendary signing of Messi for La Masia.
What do you think? Leave us your comments below.
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