“What he can do is beyond my ability as a woman” - Barcelona star Ilkay Gundogan’s wife provides clarity after deleted comment in journalist’s post
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan's wife, Sara, has clarified her now-deleted comment on a journalist's post. Sara was embroiled in a controversy after posting laughing emojis under a journalist's claim that her husband could leave the Blaugrana.
Gundogan joined Barca last summer on a free transfer and has made 51 appearances across competitions, scoring five goals and assisting 14.
Despite his performances for Barcelona, Gudogan's future at the club has been questioned ,and his wife's response could have been interpreted as confirmation of those questions. To dispel those rumours, though, Sara released a statement to ForcaBarca that said:
"I deleted the reply because I didn't want to interfere. I am a mother, and I don't want problems with these people (journalists). In fact, I'm afraid of THIS PARTICULAR journalist. What he can do is beyond my ability as a woman. I am afraid that HE will keep hating us, saying all the bad things about our family."
It remains to be seen if the 33-year-old midfielder will remain in the club this summer, with the Blaugrana needing to raise funds to bolster the squad. Gundogam was a vital part of Germany's Euro 2024 campaign, losing 2-1 in extra time to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-final.
La Liga president reveals what Barcelona must do to sign Nico Williams this summer
La Liga president Javier Tebas has revealed what Barcelona must do if they hope to sign Spanish winger Nico Williams. Barca are keen to strengthen their roster and challenge their eternal rivals Real Madrid for the league title next season.
Speaking to Sport about the club and their potential movements in the transfer window, Tebas said (via Barca Blaugranes):
“If Barça return to a 1:1 spending limit, meaning they aren’t in excess of their cap, they will be able to do so,”
“You have to think that with Barcelona’s efforts to reduce their wage bill by more than €200m and other measures that have already taken place within the club that have nothing to do with their financial levers, it is perfectly possible to bring in a player like Nico Williams."
Tebas went on to clarify the amortization requirements a potential deal would require:
“I think he has a clause of €58m. When you sign a player for €58m, the amortisation is divided by the years of the contract; if you sign him for three years, it would be less than €20m per year, plus whatever you pay the player.
“Barça are going to be able to be around those amounts, which are perfectly acceptable if they are back within the 1:1 rule. They are a club that is close to €1 billion in turnover, they can be in that range for that type of signing."
The La Liga president concluded:
“We have to remember that the 1:1 scenario has to be fulfilled first, though. They are not there yet, but it’s the closest they have been. If they get there, they can sign Nico Williams or another player with those characteristics.”
Barcelona have been heavily linked with the Athletic Bilbao winger who helped La Roja to glory at Euro 2024. Williams enjoys a close relationship with their star, Lamine Yamal, so the Blaugrana will hope to unite them in attack this summer.