Barcelona want Gundogan as Iniesta replacement - report

Barcelona have reportedly decided they like the look of Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and think he’d be a great replacement for Andres Iniesta.

Gundogan is currently at the World Cup with Germany, but Barca have decided he’d be perfect to slot into their midfield next season, according to Sport Bild.

The report also offers a reminder of how Barcelona previously came close to signing Gundogan in 2016 before he moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City.

The midfielder has said: “I was very close to signing for Barcelona, but at the end, it didn’t happen.”

Gundogan had a tough first season at City after suffering a serious knee injury but he played 48 times in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s team in 2017/18, contributing six goals and seven assists.

The 27-year-old has two years left on his City contract although it’s tough to say whether he’d be willing to swap City for the Camp Nou.