After his retirement from the German national football team, Ilkay Gündogan is facing an early exit from FC Barcelona, according to media reports. As Sky reports, the Barça management has clearly informed the midfielder that he should leave during this transfer window. However, the latest statements by coach Hansi Flick do not suggest this.
The Madrid-based trade magazine “AS” reported that Flick, who knows Gündogan well from their time together in the DFB team, does not see him as a regular player. The former national coach reportedly told sporting director Deco that Gündogan does not fit into his game concept.
Gündogan was injured and missing against Valencia
Gündogan was absent from the 2-1 opening win against FC Valencia last Saturday. According to Flick, he had problems with a cut. Flick also said after the game that he had the feeling that Gündogan would stay.
However, according to the Catalan specialist newspaper “Sport”, the traditional Spanish football club wants to try to “get some money for the transfer of Gündogan”. The Arabic portal “365scores” reported that the Catalans have offered Gündogan to the Cristiano Ronaldo club Al-Nassr.
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Gündogan’s agent and uncle Ilhan had stated on August 8 that although there was interest from some clubs, the player wanted to stay in Barcelona. The Gelsenkirchen native’s contract in Barcelona runs until summer 2026, after he only came from Manchester City on a free transfer in 2023.
According to Sky, a renewed engagement with the English football champions is possible. City are reportedly considering a return of the midfielder. Gündogan won the English championship five times and the Champions League once in seven years with Pep Guardiola’s team.