90min
·6 August 2024
90min
·6 August 2024
Ilkay Gundogan is not expected to consider transfer offers this summer, despite Barcelona still being willing to sell the 33-year-old if a tempting proposal comes in.
Gundogan joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer last summer after captaining Manchester City to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble. He contributed 19 goals and assists in 51 appearances across all competitions and was the most reliably available midfielder in the squad.
But Barcelona's financial limitations have seen a high turnover of players in recent years and Gundogan has been linked with a move away, even at his age and with another season (and potentially a third) left on his contract with the club.
Mundo Deportivo writes that Gundogan, via his agent and uncle, Ilhan, has informed Barcelona that he has no desire to consider offers from elsewhere.
That is because he is happy in the city and has the ambition of leaving his mark on the club by achieving something "big". Barcelona's stance had been to consider offers brought to them by the Gundogan camp if deemed suitable by all parties.
Barcelona would consider selling Gundogan / Eric Alonso/GettyImages
Gundogan is reported in Turkey to be a target for Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce, partially due to an injury suffered by former Manchester United midfielder Fred. The Istanbul giants haven't lacked ambition in the transfer market as they attempt to re-assert domestic dominance after last season marked a full decade without a Super Lig title, amid six second-place finishes in that time.
Barcelona are seemingly on the brink of adding attacking midfielder Dani Olmo to their ranks. An agreement with RB Leipzig is thought to have been reached for €55m plus €7m in add-ons. Pedri should be back for the start of La Liga, but Gavi may not be fully fit until 2025 and Frenkie de Jong was left out of the pre-season tour squad due to longstanding ankle trouble.
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