Transfer Talk: Barca want Gundogan to replace Busquets

Transfer Talk: Barca want Gundogan to replace Busquets

With just a month remaining before the opening of the January transfer window, there’s plenty of gossip swirling about who’s moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Barca want Gundogan to replace Busquets

While Ilkay Gundogan and his Germany teammates will be heading home from the World Cup after a second-straight group stage exit, Sport reports that Barcelona want the Manchester City midfielder to move to Catalonia. In addition to a right-back, manager Xavi Hernandez is keen to bring in a midfielder who can take over from Sergio Busquets in midfield.

Xavi reportedly believes 32-year-old Gundogan could adapt to the role at the base of midfield and has asked for reports on how the former Borussia Dortmund star is off the pitch. The manager is also said to view Gundogan as a very intelligent player who could play in various positions.

His contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and while Pep Guardiola wants to offer Gundogan another year, the City boss won’t stop his player from leaving if that is his desire. That said, a January move would be almost impossible to complete as Barca are likelier to wait until the end of the season to make their move and sign Gundogan as a free agent.