Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona under manager Xavi's leadership

Posted : 28 June 2023

Xavi, a former iconic player and captain of Barcelona, has returned to the club as the manager, and now, eight years later, he is fulfilling a dream by bringing in Ilkay Gundogan to upgrade their midfield.

When Xavi left Barcelona in 2015 after the club's treble-winning season, he knew he would return one day, but the circumstances surrounding his comeback were unforeseen.

Having won a title in his first full season as manager, Xavi is honored to sign Gundogan, who was originally meant to succeed him years ago but arrives now as a treble-winning captain.

This closure holds significance from various perspectives.

In 2015, Barcelona had plans to sign Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund, and even medical tests were conducted before the deal fell through due to the coach's preference for acquiring Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid.

Despite the tactical suitability of Gundogan in Xavi's role, Turan was chosen instead and proved to be a disappointing signing.

Feeling hurt as a lifelong Barcelona fan, Gundogan responded to Pep Guardiola's interest and joined Manchester City to become their version of Andres Iniesta.

While Barcelona attempted to sign him again in 2016, Gundogan was already committed to Guardiola's project.

He became Manchester City's first signing under Guardiola's tenure, and even a knee injury shortly before his arrival did not deter their plans.

Despite facing setbacks, Gundogan played a crucial role in Manchester City's success, contributing to winning five league titles in the last six seasons and evolving into a leadership role.

Barcelona continued to monitor his progress and initiated contact in 2018 and 2021.

However, Gundogan felt a strong connection to Guardiola's team and believed it was the right environment for him to reach his full potential.

While Gundogan may not have possessed the playmaking abilities of Kevin De Bruyne, his impact on the pitch was vital, especially evident in his ability to score crucial goals as a starter or substitute.

His pivotal goals in the Premier League finale against Aston Villa showcased his winning mentality and scoring prowess.

In his final game for Manchester City on English soil, Gundogan scored two goals in the cup final against Manchester United, contributing to their double triumph. A week later, he completed the treble with his team.

In Gundogan's heartfelt farewell letter, he expressed his obsession with winning the UEFA Champions League, a dream that began a decade ago when he faced defeat with Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich.

While Guardiola's plan was to rectify that disappointment earlier, the team experienced contrasting realities and suffered a defeat in the final against Chelsea two years ago.

Gundogan candidly admitted feeling devastated when he was benched for the semi-final against Real Madrid in 2022.

However, his patience paid off as he ultimately lifted the Champions League trophy as the captain on Istanbul soil.

Playing the final in Istanbul held immense significance for Gundogan, as his grandfather had immigrated from Istanbul to Germany.

Winning the prestigious trophy in his ancestral homeland exceeded his wildest dreams.

With nothing more to achieve at Manchester City, Gundogan recognized it was the perfect time to embark on a new adventure at the club he had cherished since childhood.

Ilkay Gundogan joins Barcelona under manager Xavi's leadership

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