Ilkay Gundogan’s Wife Dismisses Talks She Influenced His Move to Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan’s Wife Dismisses Talks She Influenced His Move to Barcelona

Ero Samson
updated at June 23, 2023 at 9:20 AM
In this article:
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  • Ilkay Gundogan recently completed a move to Barcelona
  • The Germany midfielder was pivotal to Man City winning the historic treble
  • Reports have suggested Gundogan’s wife, Sara Arfaoui was key to him joining Barcelona

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan's wife Sara Arfaoui hit back at claims that she persuaded the German player to join Barcelona.

Gundogan is set to join the Blaugrana as a free agent, bringing an end to his time at the Etihad.

A fan, however, commented on Twitter that the player's wife played a key role in the move.

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Ilkay Gundogan was pivotal to Man City winning the historic treble. Image: Daniela Porcelli.
Source: Getty Images

Arfaoui hit back at the fan, commenting under the post:

"Don't involve me in football staff. I am not a manager and I have respect to people. Stop lying about me. I am a wife, that's it. Keep lying and talking stuff you don't know. Unpolite."

Arfaoui is a famous TV presenter and actress. Gundogan, meanwhile, is set to be a huge addition to Xavi's side. The Blaugrana were keen on bolstering their midfield after Sergio Busquets' departure.

Gundogan was spectacular during his Manchester City stint. He scored 60 goals and provided 40 assists in 304 matches for the Citizens.

The midfielder was crucial as Pep Guardiola's team won the European Treble this past season. Barcelona may have managed to get one of the best midfielders in the world on a free transfer.

Gundogan’s secret Barcelona contract clause

Gundogan is aware of the club's financial situation and has inserted a secret clause in his contract, per reports in Spain.

According to Sport.es, Gundogan's entourage have included a clause in his contract with Barcelona to safeguard his future should the club fail to register him due to La Liga regulations.

Defender Jules Kounde's debut was delayed last year as the club couldn't register him on time due to the Spanish league's wage cap.

Gundogan has ensured that a similar incident isn't repeated with him, adding a clause that would see him get released if the club fails to register him before their opening La Liga match of the season.

Barcelona have reportedly given assurances that such an incident will not be repeated and hope to register him by July 1. But that hasn't stopped the German from securing his future.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo report that the midfielder has also completed his medical ahead of the impending move.

Guardiola on Cancelo Barcelona transfer

Sports Brief earlier reported Pep Guardiola has opened up on why wantaway defender, Joao Cancelo did not join Barcelona in the winter transfer window in January despite the Catalans’ interest.

Guardiola revealed his Barcelona did not submit a bid to sign Cancelo in the winter transfer window.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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