Barcelona have announced that they have signed Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old goalscoring midfielder finally made a decision over his future last week after speculation linking him with a move to Barca, as well as City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and a switch to the Saudi Arabia Pro League.

Barca snap up Gundogan for free transfer

As confirmed by a post on their official social media platforms, Gundogan has become the first official signing for Xavi Hernandez who is now expected to go back in the market for another midfielder to replace outgoing captain Sergio Busquets- bound for Inter Miami.

💙❤ @IlkayGuendogan is CULER! pic.twitter.com/DrbOOIMSLe

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 26, 2023

At 32, Gundogan will bring a wealth of experience to the Catalans and by signing a two-year contract, with an option for a third, head coach Xavi is confident that the German’s consistency will continue for a while longer.

Reflecting on his seven years at City, the German midfielder stated, “For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years. I have been lucky to have experienced so many unforgettable moments in my time here and to have been captain for this extra special season has been the greatest experience of my career.”

Since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the midfielder has scored 60 goals in 304 appearances in all competitions in sky blue, a record from midfield only bettered by Bruno Fernandes and teammate Kevin De Bruyne in that time.