Barcelona have landed an ‘incredible player’ with summer signing, says Pep Guardiola

Ilkay Gundogan has been the marquee signing for FC Barcelona so far this summer. The former Manchester City superstar joined the club on a free transfer after seeing out his contract at the Etihad.

Prior to his decision of joining Barça, Gundogan was also contemplating a potential contract extension at Manchester City. Pep Guardiola, in particular, was keen on convincing the midfielder to prolong his stay at the Etihad.

Gundogan, after all, was one of the protagonists for Manchester City. He captained the team that managed to secure the treble this past season, with the midfielder being involved in a total of 18 goals in all competitions.

Following his brilliant leadership, Guardiola was desperate to renew the contract of Gundogan, even convincing the Man City board to consider extending the length of the contract offered. But the player ended up moving to Barcelona.

In a recent interview, Guardiola shed light on this matter, revealing his grave disappointment for failing to convince the German international to stay at Man City.

“We tried to convince him to stay and we couldn’t, so we wish him the best,” he said (h/t SPORT). “They have been seven incredible years together. I have no words to express my gratitude to him and I wish him all the best in the challenges of his life.”

“Barça are getting an incredible signing, an incredible player. But this is life and everyone has family obligations,” he added.

Barcelona have indeed roped in a few excellent players in the ongoing summer transfer window. If signing Gundogan wasn’t enough, the club have signed Inigo Martinez on a free transfer, along with former La Masia starlet Oriol Romeu.

Barcelona have also reached an agreement for Vitor Roque, though the Brazilian would only arrive at the club in 2024.