How can ‘serial winner’ Ilkay Gundogan assist Barcelona in Champions League next season?

Ilkay Gundogan will be joining Barcelona from Manchester City as a free agent. The German could be what Barcelona need in midfield after the departure of their veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Frenkie de Jong could shift to Busquets’ position, and Gundogan could establish himself in the right or left central midfield position. The likes of Pedri and Gavi will get the support they need from an experienced player like Gundogan.

The German played a key role in City’s treble triumph in the 2022-23 season. He scored crucial goals in the dying embers of the season. The midfielder had six goals in the last seven matches, which were essential in sealing victories in different leagues.

He also scored the fastest goal in the history of the FA Cup final, and his brace guided City to a narrow 2-1 win over their arch-rivals Manchester United at Wembley.

Gundogan is a versatile player, and could adapt to different situations. The 32-year-old can get into dangerous positions and score goals, link-up with his teammates in the build-up, play creative passes and through balls, deliver short crosses, and whatnot. He could be key in Barcelona’s European pursuits next season.

His 94 percentile in non-penalty goals and 96 in touches during attacking penetration on FBref clearly suggest that the German is a threat to be reckoned with, in the attacking midfield positions.

His spider chart indicates that the midfielder is imperious in the attacking segments but some of his defensive attributes such as interceptions and tackles are questionable.

Gundogan will be joining the Catalan club at the end of this month after his contract expires at Manchester City.