Barcelona to step up pursuit of Manchester City superstar after outstanding UCL display against Bayern Munich - Reports
Barcelona will reportedly step up their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after watching his impressive showing against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.
Gundogan, 32, shone as City romped to an emphatic 3-0 win over Bayern in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie at the Eithad on Tuesday (April 11). The German was a constant presence in the heart of midfield as Pep Guardiola's men took control of the tie.
According to SPORT, Barcelona watched his display against the Bavarians and have upped their pursuit of the midfielder. Gundogan is out of contract at the end of the season, which aids Barca, as they're out for bargain buys due to their financial complications.
The management and hierarchy at the Camp Nou like Gundogan's profile, as the German is versatile. He has made 40 appearances across competitions this season, scoring five goals and providing as many assists.
Gudogan has been at the Etihad for seven years since arriving at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He has been a mainstay in Guardiola's side since and is only seven games away from reaching 300 appearances.
The intelligent midfielder is viewed as a possible replacement for Sergio Busquets, who's in the twilight of his career. Busquets' contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the season.
Barcelona missed out on chance to sign Manchester City's Rodri in 2018
SPORT reports that Barcelona could have signed Ilkay Gundogan's teammate Rodri in 2018. The Spanish midfielder was playing for Villarreal at the time and was just getting started.
The Blaugrana were heavily interested in Rodri, but Atletico Madrid beat them to the Spaniard. Los Colchoneros signed the midfielder for €20 million, with another €5 million in variables. He featured 47 times at the Wanda Metropolitano before joining Manchester City in 2019 for €70 million.
Rodri has gone on to become one of City's most valuable players, a dominant figure in Guardiola's midfield. He has been enjoying a superb season, scoring a stunner in the 3-0 win over Bayern in midweek.
Barcelona have long had Busquets to call on, but Rodri would have been an astute long-term replacement for his compatriot. Moreover, the 26-year-old could have developed under the veteran Spaniard..
The Blaugrana seem intent on signing a defensive midfielder in the summer, but there's little chance of landing Rodri. He's valued by Transfermarkt at €80 million.