Barcelona offer veteran midfielder to Saudi Arabian giants, contacts underway | OneFootball

In their bid to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan, FC Barcelona have offered the veteran midfielder to Al Nassr, as per reports in Saudi Arabia, carried by SPORT.

The 33-year-old midfield superstar’s future has become increasingly uncertain over the past few days, especially after he was left out of the squad list to face Valencia over the weekend.

With there being plenty of competition for places in the midfield department, it has been suggested that Gundogan is contemplating a departure just a year after he signed for the Blaugrana.

The Catalans, bogged down by Financial Fair Play issues, would welcome his exit as getting rid of his salary would help them address the registration of new signing Dani Olmo.

Saudi Arabia next destination for Gundogan?

As such, Barcelona are now reported to have contacted Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia to offer them the services of Gundogan.

Al Nassr have been in contact with Barça this summer over the possible signings of Raphinha and Clement Lenglet, although they ended up facing defeat in those endeavours.

However, the Saudi Arabian bigwigs are now considering the possibility of signing Gundogan, although any move would require an ‘OK’ from the former Manchester City captain.

Ball in Gundogan’s court

Could Gundogan leave for Saudi Arabia? (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Gundogan, after talking to Hansi Flick, has doubts about his continuity as he will not be a starter in his project and is open to assessing offers to continue his career elsewhere.

The midfielder’s potential move to Saudi Arabia would bring financial gains to Barcelona as well as free up much-needed salary space.

However, Gundogan would have to reach an agreement and decide to go to Saudi Arabia, something that does not seem clear at all. The German international has other proposals on the table and will have to decide his future this week.

The veteran superstar has sounded out the option of returning to Manchester City, although the English champions are unlikely to be interested in re-signing him.

Galatasaray, in Turkey, would be open to signing Gundogan but only if he comes on a free transfer.

In any case, Barça will open the door for Gundogan’s exit as long as they can save the entirety of his contract as it would free up a lot of salary space and make things easier for them at the end of the market.