Barcelona offer star to Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr as they look to offload players - Reports
Barcelona have offered star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr as part of their mission to offload certain players this summer, according to a report carried by Spanish outlet Sport.
Ilkay Gundogan has been at the center of speculation in recent days as his future in Catalonia remains uncertain. The midfielder was omitted from Barcelona's line-up for the clash with Valencia in La Liga last time out, further fueling rumors of a potential exit.
According to Sport, the Blaugrana have already offered the 33-year-old to Saudi giants Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo currently plies his trade. The German is said to be open to the idea of leaving as he has realized that there will be more competition for places in the center of the pitch this season.
Barcelona recently signed Dani Olmo, with the likes of Pedri and Gavi also nearing returns. Frenkie de Jong is still at the club while Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre, and academy players like Marc Bernal and Marc Cassado, who both impressed against Valencia, will be hoping to bag some minutes.
The aforementioned report also mentions that Gundogan has already had a conversation with new Barca coach Hansi Flick, who made it clear to him that he won't be a starter in his project. Hence, he is looking at a move elsewhere to continue playing regularly.
Should he join Al Nassr, Gundogan not only play with Cristiano Ronaldo but also other popular names like Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Talisca. His departure would also fetch Barcelona some money and free up their wage bill significantly.
With the summer transfer window nearing its closure, all concerned parties will need to act fast to get the deal done in time before it gets too late.
Ilkay Gundogan's numbers for Barcelona
The 33-year-old joined the Blaugrana from Manchester City as a free agent last summer. He signed a two-year contract which should supposedly keep him in the Catalan capital until the summer of 2025, with the option of a one-year extension also included.
In his first season at the club, Gundogan was a regular under the management of Xavi Hernandez. He played a total of 51 games across all competitions, contributing five goals and 14 assists to go with a series of eye-catching displays in the center.
With his future now appearing to be up in the air, nothing can be ruled out at this stage. A report carried by Caught Offside claimed that the player has sounded out Manchester City over a potential return to the Etihad, with suitors also said to be coming from Turkey.