Pep Guardiola could block major Barcelona transfer hope

Jacque Talbot

• 6 May 2023 20:58 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has expressed a desire to keep said Ilkay Gundogan amid reports linking the Gerrman to Barcelona.

The midfielder scored twice in a 2-1 win over Leeds on Saturday, even hitting the post late on. He is the longest-serving player under the Spaniard but his contract is up next month and so far no fresh terms have been signed.

The 32-year-old is well-liked by Guardiola’s former club Barcelona, who are in the market for free agents in the upcoming summer transfer window, but Guardiola gave a huge indication of where he would like to see the former Borussia Dortmund man end up next campaign.

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The Catalan said after the victory at the Etihad: "It's not necessary today for him to perform really well, score two goals to know exactly how I like this player how I enjoy all this time working with him and how I'd like to work with him in the future," Guardiola told a press conference. "It's not necessary that Gundo scores two incredible goals or how good he played today, reading the spaces.”

Guardiola continued: “He has everything, incredible running in the final third, what a hungry midfielder, how intelligent, how good he is."

Gundogan's future uncertain

Indeed, Gundogan has been heavily linked to a move to Barcelona as they look to nab star players coming to the end of their contracts.

But it still isn’t clear whether he will leave Manchester or opt to remain for another couple of seasons.

Man City have overtaken Arsenal at the top of the table following the Gunners’ recent slump in form.

Mikel Arteta’s side will face Newcastle at St James’ Park tomorrow in what will be a crucial game for both sides.