According to reports from Goal.com this afternoon, German international Ilkay Gundogan has signed a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
The 24 year-old rejected the opportunity to pen extended terms earlier this season, generating interest from a number of top European clubs – including Premier League trio Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United – with his prior deal set to expire in summer 2016.
But Barcelona and Bayern Munich both dropped out of the race to sign Gundogan last month due to his wage demands, leading both the midfielder’s agent and Dortmund general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke to claim he could yet decide to sign a new deal at Westfalenstadion.
And according to Goal.com, Gundogan – best famed for his role in Dortmund’s shock march to the 2013 Champions League final, which saw him claim a place in the illustrious ESM Team of the Season – has now agreed to extend his Black-Yellows contract until 2017.
“I am glad that we finally have clarity [on my future] and I can continue playing for Borussia Dortmund. I am now fully focused on preparations for the new season,” Gundogan has told the club’s official website.
“We are pleased that Ilkay will continue to play for Borussia Dortmund. I am convinced that he will help BVB achieve our sporting objectives,” added Sporting director Michael Zorc.