Ilkay Gundogan had an outrageous first season at FC Barcelona. Arriving on a free transfer, he fit into Xavi Hernandez’s team seamlessly. One of the very few players to not be out injured, the German was ever-present for the Spanish club.
The 33-year-old veteran playmaker arrived from Manchester City on a free transfer. Gundogan showed exceptional commitment to leave a team he was captain of that had just won the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League to come to a struggling FC Barcelona.
Gundogan’s infectious leadership spread very quickly in the Blaugranas dressing room. He was a captain without an armband throughout last season and was the team’s chief conductor from midfield.
Despite such a good first season, doubts remain about his continuity at Barcelona who are blessed with a host of midfield talents. As per SPORT, Turkish giants Fenerbahce who are led by Jose Mourinho have expressed interest in signing Gundo.
The report adds that the 61-year-old ex-Real Madrid manager has asked his club to make an effort to bring the €15m-rated midfielder to Turkey this summer. The Portuguese tactician is ‘really looking forward’ to having this transfer completed.
The only reason FC Barcelona would even consider an offer for Gundogan is because of their financial situation. Having signed him on a free transfer, the Spanish club can record a profit by selling him this summer.
However, despite being well-sorted in midfield, selling Gundogan would be ill-advised for Barcelona. The German brings experience and leadership to the midfield, something that the Catalan club lacks in his absence.
Even if FC Barcelona need to make a sale, it must not be Gundogan. However, it is the club that makes the decisions. Let’s see what they think about Fenerbahce’s approach for the veteran midfielder.
