Xavi is ‘delighted’ with Barcelona summer arrival, player has fitted in seamlessly – report

Barcelona made several signings over the course of the summer transfer window and while the deadline-day arrivals of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo appear to have captured all the attention, the Catalans have seemingly struck gold with Ilkay Gundogan.

The 32-year-old German international arrived at the club on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City expired at the end of the last season.

Xavi very happy with Gundogan

And, just four matches into the new season, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is ‘delighted’ with Gundogan and the impact he has made on the team, reports Sergi de Juan of SPORT.

Xavi believes that the former Manchester City captain understands the game and his tactics perfectly and the player’s intelligence allows him to grasp everything very quickly.

Given the way that Barça play, top stars have had difficulties adapting to the style in the past, but there has been no such issue with Gundogan, whose time under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City has most certainly helped.

In fact, as per the report, Xavi puts Gundogan on the same level as Pedri as far as understanding his plans and executing them on the pitch most consistently are concerned.

The former Borussia Dortmund ace has already registered two assists in his four games and his influence is bound to grow as the season progresses.

Fitting in well with teammates

Apart from what he is doing on the pitch, the report also highlights that Gundogan has fitted in seamlessly into the Barcelona team and the city.

The 32-year-old is still learning the Spanish language but already gets along very well with everyone in the squad.

Despite having arrived as a treble-winner with Manchester City, the midfielder is said to be humble and has fit in well with the tight-knit group that Xavi has tried to build at Barça.

Judging on initial signs, it appears that the La Liga champions might have struck gold with Gundogan’s signing.