Ilkay Gundogan to sign Manchester United contract this weekend

Posted Saturday, April 25, 2015 by Givemesport.com

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will sign a contract with Manchester United this weekend.

This is according to Sky Sports Germany, who broke the news on Friday night that the deal to take the Germany international to Old Trafford is in place.

German newspaper Der Western reported earlier today that Manchester United were poised to sign the 24-year-old midfielder in a €30 million deal this summer, but it seems the deal could be effectively completed over the course of this weekend.

Gundogan was widely regarded as one of the world's best central midfielders during the 2012-13 campaign, when Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final.

The technically-gifted midfielder, who was born in Germany to Turkish parents, was magnificent for Jurgen Klopp's side and was subsequently linked with a move to several of the world's biggest clubs - including the Red Devils - in the summer of 2013.

INJURY PROBLEMS NOW BEHIND HIM?

He ended up staying put at Signal Iduna Park, but would miss almost the entire 2013-14 season with a back injury, which kept him out of action for a total of 14 months.

Despite his agonising spell on the sidelines, Borussia Dortmund handed the midfielder a new contract 12 months ago, but only until the summer of 2016.

This means Gundogan will have 12 months left to run on his current deal this summer, and with Jurgen Klopp leaving Dortmund and the Bundesliga club left with no chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League following a dismal start to the current campaign, the Germany international may feel it's the perfect time to leave the club he signed for in 2011.

MICHAEL CARRICK REPLACEMENT

Provided he can rediscover his top form and steer clear of any further injuries, Gundogan's signing is a significant coup for Manchester United.

This is a player with the ability to replace Michael Carrick, the England international who will turn 34 in July.

Manchester United fans: will Ilkay Gundogan be a success at Old Trafford?