- Ilkay Gundogan linked with Barcelona exit all summer
- Player mkaes firm statement about his intentions
- Includes admission about playing in Turkey's Super Lig
Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has admitted an interest in playing in Turkey's Super Lig at some point before he retires, but insists his immediate focus is on his current club.
Just a year after a free transfer from Manchester City, Gundogan has been linked with a move away from Barcelona. Given the club's ongoing financial situation, the 33-year-old is not a long-term solution and the logic was that offers would be considered by the Barca hierarchy.
But Gundogan, who played 51 games last season and has a contract until at least next summer, is adamant that he won't be leaving Barcelona at this time.
The Super Lig, where there has been interest from Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, has long been considered a likely destination for him due to his Turkish roots. Both parents were born and raised in Turkey, although one of his grandfathers was among the many Turkish 'guest workers' in Germany.
"I might join the Turkish Super Lig one day, but not this summer!" Gundogan has now told A Spor.
Gundogan proved to be the most reliable of Barcelona's midfielders in his debut season. Fermin Lopez, whose rise from the B team was quite unexpected given that he was close to a €600,000 move to Poland in 2023, was the only other to surpass 40 appearances.
Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were all limited by varying injury problems. Gavi, Pedri and Fermin are reported to be three of the six core players that sporting director Deco and new coach Hansi Flick wish to build a new look Barcelona team around. The others are goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, home-grown teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi and Euro 2024 winner Lamine Yamal.
Dani Olmo has boosted the midfield ranks from an attacking perspective, with the Spain international also comfortable playing on either wing should it be tactically necessary.
