FC Barcelona have been linked to a lot of arrivals and exits during this summer transfer window. La Blaugrana are hardly the most financially stable club at the moment, but they always remain a hot topic in any transfer market. However, while arrivals are typically the priority for Barcelona, departures are equally key for them this time.
The Catalan club needs to generate the adequate salary space to even register some players, including the likes of new signing Dani Olmo, and exits may be a consequence of that. However, as is often the case with La Blaugrana, it is hardly an easy task to get players to keep the luxury contracts of the club and go play somewhere else.
A player who has been frequently linked to a potential departure this summer is Ilkay Gundogan. Now aged 33, the German midfielder is a proper veteran of the game and was quite impactful at Barcelona last season. However, due to his quality and the market that exists for him, he continues to be linked to a possible exit.
Yet, the reality remains that the player does not think about moving from the club. As highlighted by Fabrizio Romano, the player’s agent has recently talked about potential suitors but also assured that Gundogan’s future lies with Barcelona:
“Some clubs have shown interest in Ilkay and want to sign him, but Ilkay’s position is very clear: he will stay at Barça… He is looking forward to the new season in Spain and to helping the club achieve their goals.”
This message is clear enough on its own and does not exactly need any sort of dissection. Gundogan remains happy at Barcelona and despite the rumors that continue to be attached to him, the player’s desire is to succeed at the Catalan club and eventually help them win titles.
With Hansi Flick now in charge, a man he was more than familiar with during his time at the German National team camp, Gundogan will possibly find even more comfort within Barcelona. Next season will be key for La Blaugrana in terms of competing with other major rivals, and Gundogan wants to be a part of that conquest it seems.
