Barcelona urgently needs money Will Gündogan soon play with Ronaldo?
19.08.2024, 22:04
The end of his time in the DFB team – and also the end of his time in the FC Barcelona jersey? The club apparently wants to get rid of Ilkay Gündogan – and urgently needs money. Coach Hansi Flick says otherwise, but according to a report, the 33-year-old could be about to be transferred to Saudi Arabia.
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 have clearly informed the midfielder that he should leave during this transfer window.
The Madrid-based trade magazine “AS” reported that the new coach Hansi 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 absent from the 2-1 opening victory against FC Valencia last Saturday. According to Flick, he had problems with a cut that he sustained in the botched dress rehearsal against AS Monaco (0-3). Flick also said after the game that he had the feeling that Gündogan would stay. He values the 33-year-old very much. That doesn’t sound like he wants to get rid of him publicly.
Saudi Arabia – or would you rather go back to City?
According to the Catalan trade newspaper “Sport”, however, the traditional Spanish football club wants to try “to get some money for the transfer of Gündogan”. Barcelona urgently needs money for new signings. Dani Olmo, who was signed from RB Leipzig for 55 million euros, has not yet been registered with the league. In addition, the Spanish European champion Nico Williams is still to be signed by Athletic Bilbao. The Arabic portal “365scores” reported that the Catalans have offered Gündogan to the Cristiano Ronaldo club Al-Nassr.
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.
