After weeks of speculation, it has been confirmed that Ilkay Gundogan will leave Manchester City after playing a part in a historic season which saw the team win the Treble.
As has been widely reported, Gundogan is now joining Barcelona on a two-year deal after he was unable to agree an appropriate deal to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
But where does Gundogan fit into Barcelona's midfield?
It is glaringly obvious where manager Xavi needs to focus on improving and that's in defensive midfield following Sergio Busquets' departure at the end of last season.
This is a role which Gundogan often struggles in despite being a versatile player. A prime example was when he was picked to start the 2021 Champions League final against Chelsea. The West London side would go onto win the game 1-0 and it was Gundogan who was at fault for the goal after Mason Mount found goal scorer Kai Havertz with a threaded pass through a large space which the German should have been occupying.
While it would be harsh to judge Gundogan's ability in this particular role off one game, he thrives best when he can contribute more to the attacking play rather than worry about getting back and stopping opposition threats.
Then there is the fact that Barcelona already have a player with similar attributes to Gundogan and that's their 20-year-old Spanish star Pedri.
The Spaniard has quickly become a major part of manager Xavi's team and plays a similar role to Gundogan. Pedri often serves as the player who makes the pass before the assist results in a goal, just like Gundogan for City.
Therefore, fans could be set for an exciting battle between Gundogan and Pedri for the midfield role which they both thrive in, and with Pedri being the younger man, he is likely to keep Gundogan on the sidelines.
For Gundogan, this move to Barcelona is likely his last chance of getting big payday and finishing his career at one of the biggest clubs in European football.
However, while there maybe a number of issues both on and off the pitch which could affect his time at the club, he will no doubt bring that winning mentality and experience to a Spanish giant which is hoping to return to the peak of its powers under the tutelage of club legend Xavi.