Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has been strongly rumoured to leave over the past week, as the overcrowded attacking midfield position becomes clearer. The 33-year-old, who joined on a free transfer last season, was the Blaugrana’s top assist provider, achieving a career-high of 14 assists.
According to Cadena SER, Gundogan has agreed to depart from the Catalan side, who could benefit from saving the funds tied up in the final year of his contract. The German international also had an option for a third season.
Meanwhile, Sport reports that Galatasaray are interested in Gundogan, but only on a free transfer. The veteran is eager to play in Turkey at some stage, but had not planned on doing so this soon.
In Saudi Arabia, the same source references a report from 365scores Arabic, claiming there has been contact between Barcelona and Saudi giants Al-Nassr regarding a potential deal, one that Gundogan has yet to approve. In recent days, it has been suggested that Gundogan would be keen to return to Manchester City, where he was captain until last summer.
While Gündoğan has agreed to leave Barcelona, he has yet to receive an offer that appeals to him, which is clearly a requirement for any departure to take place. Meanwhile, Barcelona are hoping they will be able to register Dani Olmo with the funds saved from Gundogan’s contract and have a meeting scheduled with La Liga this week to clarify their position with the salary cap.
Less than 48 hours before the news broke, manager Hansi Flick stated that he had discussed Gundogan’s future and role in the team last week. The German coach noted that he expected his compatriot to stay, but based on reports, it seems not everyone at the club is in agreement.
Gundogan has communicated his desire to leave Barcelona before the end of the summer transfer window. The Germany international has subsequently been left out of the club’s squad to play Valencia in their La Liga opener.
The 33-year-old has attracted interest from Turkiye but no offers have yet been forthcoming. Galatasaray are said to be interested, while Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is willing to do whatever it takes to bring Gundogan to the club. Saudi Arabian clubs are also said to be monitoring developments.
Gundogan joined Barcelona from Manchester City in 2023 but only signed a two-year contract, meaning the club have a decision to make over his future. Per the report, they are not going to stand in Gundogan’s way if he receives an acceptable offer.
One has to think that the midfielder has kicked his last ball for Barcelona after he was left out of the squad to face Valencia. He will now hope to find pastures new before the end of the transfer window.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick though denied that the omission was due to any uncertainty around the midfielder’s future.
When asked about the former Man City star, Flick said: ‘I think he’s gonna end up staying at Barça.
‘He was out tonight as he had some discomfort. I spoke to Ilkay, but that stays between us as it’s private conversation.’
The report from Spanish publication Sport claims the midfielder told the coaching staff that he has had ‘enough’ and is hoping all parties can help him find an exit from the club.
As to where the 33-year-old may land next, the report claims he has several admirers in Turkey as well as in Saudi Arabia.
However, one man who appears intent on signing Gundogan is Fenerbache manager Jose Mourinho.
The 61-year-old took up the post at Fenerbache in June and has already been active in the transfer market, with Caglar Soyuncu, Cenk Tosun and Youssef En-Nesyri all moving on permanent deals while he snapped up Allan Saint-Maximin on loan from Al-Ahli.
The report says Mourinho is prepared to go to extreme lengths to land Gundogan, such is his desire to bring him to Fenerbache.
Adding to the chances of Gundogan moving to Turkey is the fact he was born to Turkish parents.
Gundogan previously met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2018, although the meeting attracted controversy after the midfielder called Erdogan ‘my president’ despite not being a Turkish citizen.
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2 Comments
Gundogan is calling by Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. I think he would go to Galatasaray
nice video man! keep up the good work