Manchester City have confirmed that their captain, Ilkay Gundogan, has joined Barcelona on a free transfer despite strong interest from Arsenal.

The German midfielder’s departure marks the end of a era at City, with his future now firmly set in the Spanish league.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on March 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on March 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
  • Ilkay Gundogan leaves Manchester City to join Barcelona on a free transfer, declining a new deal offered by City.
  • Gundogan played a vital role in City’s success, contributing 11 goals in the 2022-23 season, winning several trophies and scoring the fastest ever FA Cup final goal.
  • The midfielder’s departure is part of a wider reshuffle at City, following their agreement to sign Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for up to £30m.

Ending an illustrious chapter with Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, whose contract with City expires at the end of June, rejected the new deal offered by the club as well as interest from Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, choosing instead to take up a two-year deal with Barcelona.

This agreement also includes an option to extend for another year.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

With 304 appearances and 60 goals for the Citizens, Gundogan was not just any player.

“Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City,” the Germany international said.

Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal with Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match between Manchester City and RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 14, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal with Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match between Manchester City and RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 14, 2023. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

He was instrumental in City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season, scoring 11 goals in 51 games, including a memorable double in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United, although perhaps not quite as influential as the financial rules City have allegedly broken.

Gundogan’s parting message thanked manager Pep Guardiola, his teammates, and the devoted City fans.

His contract with Barcelona includes a substantial €400m  buyout clause.

City’s director, Txiki Begiristain, praised Gundogan’s “intelligence, leadership and commitment,” stating that these qualities had been an “inspiration to everyone.”

In the midst of these changes, Manchester City have secured a deal worth up to £30m to sign Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news