Agent details Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan's stance on future at the club amid recent exit links
Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan's agent, Ilhan Gundogan clarified doubts about his future at the club amid rumors of a potential exit.
Gundogan's agent made it clear that the German's priority is to stay at Barca and he's looking forward to the next season despite interest from a few other clubs.
"Some clubs have shown interest in Ilkay and want to sign him, but Ilkay's position is very clear: he will stay at Barca. He is looking forward to the new season in Spain and to helping the club achieve their goals," he said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Ilkay Gundogan's current contract with Barcelona runs until June 30, 2025, with an option to extend it for another year. The German midfielder joined the Catalan club as a free agent from Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
Gundogan has scored five goals and recorded nine assists in 36 appearances for Barcelona since his arrival. However, as per The Athletic, the club is willing to listen to offers for the midfielder this summer. Multiple clubs are reportedly interested in signing him, including Saudi Pro League clubs, Qatari club Al Sadd, and the Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan denies rumors of playing in the Turkish league this summer
With growing speculation about Gundogan's future at Barca, the German midfielder spoke to Turkish media outlet Aspor about his willingness to join the Turkish Super Lig one day. However, he made it clear that he would not be moving to any Turkish club this summer.
“I might join the Turkish Super Lig one day, but not this summer,” the midfielder said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Ilkay Gundogan's declaration comes after the Turkish club Fenerbahce reportedly registered their interest in signing the player. Coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly willing to bring Gundogan to the club for the next season and beyond.
While Barcelona must consider selling some important players in order to ease their financial situation amid well-documented economic woes, selling Ilkay Gundogan would be a bold decision for the club.
The German midfielder is known for his versatility in the midfield and was one of Barca's best players in an otherwise disappointing season. Moreover, the midfielder is one of the few experienced players in the squad, mostly dominated by young La Masia graduates.
Gundogan could be a great fit for Hansi Flick's new project owing to his ability to excel in various roles in the midfield and for the mentality he brings to the table to inspire the young players at the Catalan club.
Despite everything, Ilkay Gundogan's first season at Barca was not free of controversies. Following Barcelona's exit from the UEFA Champions League after a 4-6 aggregate loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-final, Gundogan faced controversy after publicly criticizing his teammate Ronald Araujo for his red card in the second-leg tie.
Things have reportedly been resolved now, and the midfielder is looking forward to another exciting season in Spain. He is expected to play a key role in the team next season with his exit looking unlikely as of now.