Having arrived only last year, Ilkay Gundogan was able to establish himself as a key part of the FC Barcelona team this season and was the most used player by Xavi throughout the campaign.
It was this quality that he displayed throughout the season that made Barcelona push to sign him in the last summer transfer window, but naturally, the Catalans were not the only side that was trying to get him as his contract ended at Manchester City.
The German midfielder himself wanted to join Barcelona. However, after joining the Catalan club, it initially seemed that his stay might be short-lived, as he was linked with a move to Turkey following some controversial comments he made after the loss to Real Madrid in October.
He was briefly linked with the Turkish club Galatasaray, but the midfielder’s entourage was quick to deny any contact with the Turks as they clarified that the German was more than happy at Barcelona.
However, having won the Süper Lig and qualified for the next edition of the UEFA Champions League, the Turkish club is once again looking to strengthen itself to be able to compete with the European elite, and its president, Dursun Ozbek, is looking for at least three experienced players.
According to SPORT, one of these three players is once again Ilkay Gundogan, whose signing he has described as a ‘childhood dream’. Although Dursun has already spoken with his club’s sponsors to get the required funds for these additions, the operation for Gundogan is only in its initial stage, and no contacts or negotiations have yet taken place with Barcelona.
Other than the Blaugrana midfielder, the other two players that Galatasaray want are Rafael Varane and Casemiro. Both of these players have not had a memorable season at Old Trafford, and the center-back has already announced that he will not be renewing his contract with the Red Devils that ends this summer.
Both these players are highly experienced in the top European competition, having won it multiple times with Real Madrid, and along with Ilkay Gundogan, can significantly improve the Turkish side.
However, the Barcelona star would be highly unlikely to leave the club after only one season, as he has established himself as a key component of the team, and will be looking to win his first trophy next season.