Ilkay Gundogan reportedly told his inner circle at the Manchester City Treble parade that he wanted a move to Barcelona, but said that he had not yet received an offer to join them.
The German midfielder’s contract officially expires in under two weeks’ time.
Man City released their retained and released list in recent days, and Gundogan’s name appeared on the released list, causing some City fans to worry.
That does not necessarily mean he will leave the club. He could yet renew.
But there is a growing feeling that Gundogan will be departing.
And now, Spanish publication SPORT have made an interesting new claim.
Ilkay Gundogan told inner circle at Man City parade he wanted Barcelona move, but no offer has been made
Somehow, SPORT have managed to obtain information about a conversation that was apparently had between Gundogan and his inner circle.
They report ‘in an intimate circle after the Champions Party, Gundogan explained his preferences. “I want to go to Barcelona, but I haven’t received any offers yet,” the player said.’
SPORT then say that Gundogan said ‘I want to go to Barça… but I think I’ll end up staying with Pep or (go to) Al Hilal’.
The report generally casts doubt on Gundogan actually joining Barca.
Apparently, while he does want to go to Camp Nou, the 32-year-old has doubts over the clarity of the economic situation at the club.
This was something Barca reportedly wanted to address with Gundogan. They apparently moved to allay fears about him being registered and told him he would be a priority signing.
Ilkay Gundogan claim, if true, bodes well for Man City keeping midfielder
So it looks as though Barcelona may be struggling to form an offer for Gundogan.
Hopefully, they are ultimately unable to offer what Gundogan wants.
It really would be brilliant news if City could keep the former Borussia Dortmund ace. It’s something Aymeric Laporte, and many City fans would like to see this summer.
He is still performing at a very high level and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Surely, he could do one more season with City, and then perhaps make that move to Barcelona.
