I might join the Turkish Super Lig one day: Ilkay Gundogan on his future

Gundogan joined Barcelona from Manchester City in 2023.

Barcelona are still ready to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan, 33, if a compelling offer is made. But he is not expected to take any transfer offers this summer.

After leading Manchester City to a treble of titles—the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League—Gundogan signed a free transfer move to the Catalan powerhouse in the 2023 summer.

After playing 51 games in all competitions, he scored 19 goals and provided 19 assists, making him the squad’s most dependable midfield player for Barcelona last season.

However, due to Barcelona’s financial constraints, there has been a significant player turnover in the last few years. Even at his age, with two more seasons remaining on his deal, Gundogan has been linked to a move elsewhere.

Gundogan has told Barcelona that he does not want to entertain offers from other sources through his agent and uncle, Ilhan. But the midfielder has made his feelings known about the possibility of joining a certain league. In an interview, Gundogan told A Spor:

“I might join the Turkish Süper Lig one day, but not this summer!”

The wish to continue with Barca is a result of his desire to make a lasting impression on the club by accomplishing something “big” and his happiness in the city. Barcelona had maintained that should all parties think it appropriate, they would evaluate any offers made to them for Gundogan along with his camp.

Owing in part to an injury sustained by former Manchester United midfielder Fred, Gundogan is reportedly Jose Mourinho’s target at Fenerbahce in Turkey. Despite finishing in second place six times in the previous seasons, the Istanbul giants haven’t lacked desire in the transfer marketplace as they look to re-establish local dominance.

Dani Olmo, an offensive midfielder, looks to be close to joining Barcelona. It is believed that a deal of €55 million plus €7 million in add-ons has been agreed with RB Leipzig.

Pedri should return in time for their LaLiga opener, while Gavi might not totally recover until 2025. Frenkie de Jong’s ankle issue kept him off the pre-season tour.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.