It has been confirmed that Ilkay Gündogan will go to Barcelona with a two-year contract and the possibility of an extension in the future, Barcelona seems to be very aggressive in bringing in this player because his free agent status will not make Barca spend transfer funds.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1671558716594745345With an initial two year contract and the possibility of an extension, I think he will end his career at this club very well, he has the ability to contribute and adapt quickly to new club, so seeing him directly in the starting XI at the start of the season will be possible.
Ilkay Gündogan is making a lot of sacrifice just to be at Barcelona. It is my sincere wish that it is worth it and that he won't regret the huge money he gave up to at Saudi Arabia just to be Barca. Another expectation which I have for him is that he remains in form. I also wish to see Xavi do a beautiful work with him in managing this huge insanely talented footballer. Guardiola has given positive feedback about this player - he's ability to play multiple positions and he looks to me as the perfect team player. At the end of his time at Barca. i would love to hear Xavi say the same thing too about him.
I think not going to Saudi Arabia is normal for some players, not everyone will want that, not everyone wants to be in some nations. Like some do not prefer France, some do not want to go to Spain, some do not want Italy, and of course by the same logic some do not want to be in SA as well, it could be political or not, the reason doesn't matter, not everyone will want to go to a single nation, some will decide not to.
Plus Barcelona is a historically great team, we all know it and we all grew up watching how great they were as well, so when an offer is made from them, you do listen to them. We knew Barcelona wouldn't be remotely close to getting Haaland, financially impossible, but Haaland still went and listened to them because you don't directly say no to Barcelona.
He still wants an adventure for a big club like him rather than being in a league that is still in development and has a lot of interest because of the money involved.
Technically it's actually a pretty good decision for a player who still wants competition because with him, first choice is also slightly guaranteed for Gundogan when he's at Barcelona especially since Busquets is also out of contract and likely to leave.
It's also an advantage for Barcelona that they don't have the hassle of bringing in an expensive player on a free transfer and with the quality that we all know he's one of the better midfielders around at the moment despite his age.