Ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan ‘asks to leave Barcelona’ with legendary ex-Premier League boss desperate for transfer
ILKAY GUNDOGAN has asked to leave Barcelona, according to sensational reports.
The German only departed Manchester City last summer after seven seasons at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola.
In his debut season at Barcelona Gundogan played 51 games, scoring five goals and adding 14 assists.
However, Barcelona’s financial issues have seen club chiefs open the door to the idea of selling Gundogan if a significant offer arrives.
And according to Spanish outlet Sport, the 33-year-old has now said “enough” and handed in a transfer request.
Gundogan was left out of Barcelona’s matchday squad entirely for their 2-1 win over Valencia on Saturday, though the club say this was due to a physical problem.
The report adds Gundogan, who is now in the final year of his contract, has repeatedly expressed a desire to stay at the Camp Nou.
It also states there is interest in the midfielder’s services from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
In the latter, Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is said to be desperate to sign him.
Caglar Soyuncu, Cenk Tosun and Youssef En-Nesyri have all moved to the club on permanent deals with Allan Saint-Maximin also being signed on loan from Al-Ahli.
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Amid rumours of Gundogan’s exit, Barca boss Hansi Flick said he believed the star would stay put this season.
He said: “I think he’s going to end up staying at Barca.
“He was out tonight as he had some discomfort.
“I spoke to Ilkay, but that stays between us as it’s a private conversation.”
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