Barcelona target not focused on transfer – reports of agreement denied

Barcelona may have to wait until after Manchester City‘s campaign is over before making a move to sign İlkay Gündoğan on a free transfer.

The La Liga leaders are determined to sign the experienced midfielder, whose contract at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the season.

City are keen to keep their veteran but will respect his decision to chase a new adventure after seven years of service in the blue part of Manchester. However, for now, Gundogan’s focus is on finishing the season strong.

Pep Guardiola’s men are still in the hunt for a treble and the German midfielder has been at the heart of the progress his team have made so far.

Barcelona target not focused on transfer

Gundogan’s importance was further underlined in the Premier League outfit’s 3-0 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. The 32-year-old was everywhere on the pitch and made a difference in both boxes.

The performance would’ve only strengthened Barca‘s desire to secure the signature of the box-to-box midfielder, especially after already agreeing a two-year deal with another transfer target, Iñigo Martínez.

Earlier this week, reports suggested Barcelona have Gündoğan’s nod for the summer transfer. But his agent has insisted there’s no agreement with any club at the moment. He said:

"“I’m surprised about the news regarding an agreement being closed as there’s no full agreement with any club now. It is not yet decided where he will play in the coming seasons. His only focus right now is on Manchester City.”"

City already have a foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League and only trail leaders Arsenal by three points. They are also in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. There’s plenty to play for, and it could be weeks before the Barcelona target is in a position to make a concrete decision about his future.