Reports in the British media have revealed that the Blaugrana weren’t willing to risk signing the German midfielder after Gundogan failed to clear his medical examination. Gundogan, the scorer of a brace at the Nou Camp in the recent Champions League game, was a reported target for Luis Enrique, the Barcelona Manager, in the summer.
However, that purported deal failed to materialise after the results of the medical revealed that the German midfielder had a greater risk of relapsing into the back injury which has troubled the midfielder in recent years.
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According to a Telefoot report, the Blaugranas had agreed in principle to sign Gundogan but retracted their offer once the club was made aware of the medical report. As per the said report, the additional medical examination requested by the Catalan club led to such an observation.
Blaugrana’s loss, Citizens gain
The 26-year-old has lit up the Premier League for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City this season. His recent run of goal scoring form came in the fixtures against West Bromwich Albion and Barcelona and no one has been more pleased than the player himself.
Also read: Barcelona Transfer Rumours: Barcelona keeping close tabs on Southampton's Cedric Soares
The goal scorer after the game revealed the importance of winning the tie against Barcelona stating, “It was a big game for us. We knew we were under pressure. The beginning was difficult, but I think the second half was very good. I think we deserved it.”
Nevertheless, the midfielder’s decision to move to Manchester City has been well received by the fans and manager alike. Guardiola, who took over in the summer has used the German midfielder in attacking positions and has benefitted immensely from his versatility.
Injury Woes
The German scored for Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League final but since then has been struck down by injuries. The mental resilience of the player was evident when City took on Barca as the midfielder played a vital role in nullifying Barca attacks before getting on the score-sheet himself.
Speaking about his injury, the midfielder recently stated, “There are times where you ask yourself if it’s possible to play any more football. I went from doctor to doctor but nothing was really helping me until I found the right doctor to do the surgery. I hope I can play a bit longer now at the end of my career and get that year back.”
Manchester City fans will be glad that the Blaugrana's decision to not sign the German midfielder led to their gain as City look to challenge for the title this term.
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