It has been reported that Manchester City legend Ilkay Gundogan has no intention to join Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad in the summer transfer window.
This comes from journalist Gerard Romero, as the £20 million (Guardian) man’s future at the Etihad Stadium is still uncertain.
However, Al-Ittihad is unlikely to be at the club where Ilkay Gundogan, who Pep Guardiola has admitted to be keen on keeping at Manchester City plays his football after potentially leaving the club.
Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan rules out Al-Ittihad transfer
Interestingly, Rio Ferdinand did claim with confident on Tuesday that the five-time Premier League winner was headed to Barcelona.
The German international’s agent came out and put all the speculation around his client’s future, claiming that all he is focused on currently is winning the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
Now, it has been revealed that Ilkay Gundogan, branded as ‘smart’ by Jurgen Klopp via Manchester City’s official website has no intention to sign for Al-Ittihad, if he decides to call it a day at the Etihad Stadium.
In addition, it is mentioned that Gundogan has his sights set on two options: either signing a contract renewal and staying at City or joining Barcelona.
Not a surprise to see Ilkay Gundogan snub the move to Saudi Arabia
Considering Ilkay Gundogan is still at the peak of his powers, it would have been a shock to see him pine for a transfer to Al-Ittihad.
Staying at Manchester City gives the 32-year-old the chance to add more silverware to his enviable trophy cabinet, while at Barcelona, he could join the team that won La Liga and experience playing in Spain.
After Gundogan looks like it may time for him to call it quits at the top level, whether due to a decline as a result of age or persistent injury problems, it is only then when he is likely to play outside Europe.
For the time being, a move such as that would have been bizarre to say the least.
