Barcelona duo unwilling to leave despite club's willingness to sell them this summer - Reports
According to journalist Santi Ovalle (Cadena SER), neither Raphinha nor Ilkay Gundogan want to leave Barcelona this summer despite the club being open to selling. Both players performed key roles for the Catalan club during the 2023-24 season.
Raphinha has been at Barca since 2022. He has so far made 87 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 20 goals and providing 25 assists. Last season, he scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 37 matches across competitions.
While the Brazilian has proven his quality at times, Barca have Lamine Yamal in their ranks. The club are looking to bring another winger and several names, like Kingsley Coman and Ivan Perisic, have been linked with a transfer.
As per reports, Manchester United are eyeing a shock swoop for the winger but the Brazilian is reluctant to leave. Barca, who signed Raphinha for a reported fee of £49 million from Leeds United, would let the player go for around €60 million.
Ilkay Gundogan is another player who has been exit-linked. Turkish clubs have been named among potential suitors for the German, who joined the club on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer.
Gundogan played a key role in his first season at the club, making 51 appearances, where he scored five goals and provided 14 assists. The German central midfielder is one of the few experienced midfielders in Hansi Flick's ranks. His presence could be key to the growth of players like Pedri, Gavi, and Dani Olmo.
Gundogan also doesn't want to leave but reports suggest the Catalan club would be open to selling for a suitable offer.
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan addresses exit rumors
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has already addressed reports linking him with a move to the Turkish league. Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have been named as clubs interested in him.
Gundogan is a fan of the Turkish league and is open to moving one day. However, he has shut down claims of leaving Barca this summer, saying (via Turkiye Today):
"A move could happen one day, but not this summer. It's all about fate. For now, I'm very happy where I am. Who knows what the future holds? I love Turkiye very much. In fact, my parents live here."
Despite being 33, Gundogan doesn't look like a player who is on borrowed time at the top level. He was rather one of Barcelona's key players last season. Gundogan would once again look to play a pivotal role as Azulgrana look to start a new chapter under Hansi Flick.