Gundogan focused on Premier League, says agent amidst links to Barcelona

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By Martin Graham | 31st Mar 2023

Ilkay Gundogan’s agent and uncle, Ilkan Gundogan, has stated that the 32-year-old’s future is very much open despite the links to Barcelona.

Gundogan, who has been at Manchester City since 2016 after joining from Borussia Dortmund looks set to leave the club after seven seasons. His rumoured preferred destination is Barcelona and it is no secret that the Catalan club wants him, as well as his Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva.

Gundogan, City and Barcelona have been in contact over the player’s transfer in the summer but Ilkan Gundogan has insisted that his nephew and client’s future is not sealed despite all signs pointing to Barcelona. Ilkan Gundogan also insisted that the former 1. FC Nürnberg midfielder is focused on helping City defend their Premier League title as they are on the verge of losing it to Arsenal.

“There’s definitely no agreement yet with any club,” said Ilhan Gundogan, via the Guardian. “The focus of Ilkay in recent weeks was only on Manchester City and the birth of his son.

“Now Gundogan is in the final and crucial phase of the season and is completely focused on that. Where Ilkay plays next season is still open.”

Gundogan’s contract with City expires at the end of the season which could see him leave for free. Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is reportedly pushing the club’s board to get a deal done for Gundogan, going as far as putting in a “special request” to sign the midfielder despite the club’s financial difficulties.

The LaLiga giants will have to significantly reduce their wage bill to make the signing happen, however, with their sights set on a €200 million reduction by the start of the new season.

Xavi, however, thinks Gundogan is worth the hassle and has been reported to be doing everything in his power to ensure they get a deal over the line this summer, even visiting and having dinner with the player.

City, on the other hand, are trying to renew the midfielder but are finding it difficult to get a deal over the line thanks to Barcelona’s presence in the negotiation room. It remains to be seen if Xavi’s methods will work and how the Catalan club, who also have lofty ambitions of signing Lionel Messi and a few other pricey players in the summer, can pull off a deal for the Germany international.

Should Gundogan leave City this summer, he would have left having made over 300 Premier League appearances for the side and winning five Premier League titles.