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Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has reportedly asked to leave the club this summer, as per SPORT journalist Tomas Andreu. Coach Hansi Flick is also informed about his decision.
Gundogan's contract with Barcelona runs until June 2025. The German signed for the club as a free agent from Manchester City in the summer of 2023 for two seasons with an option to extend another year.
To the surprise of many, the midfielder wasn't included in La Blaugrana's squad to face Valencia in their La Liga opening match on Saturday, August 17. As per Gerard Romero, Gundogan was excluded because of a blow to the eyebrow. He reportedly suffered the injury during the club's Joan Gamper Trophy clash against AS Monaco.
Meanwhile, certain platforms including RAC1 reported that Gundogan was supposedly left out to put pressure on him to leave. Amid well-documented financial woes, Barcelona have also reportedly considered his departure because of his high salary. He earns around €360,577 per week, as per Capology.
It remains to be seen where Gundogan ends up playing this season, with reported interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and Turkey. In 51 appearances for the Blaugrana last season across competitions, he scored five goals and recorded 14 assists. With his departure, Barca could lose some much-needed creativity and experience in the midfield.
Barcelona do not count on Raphinha for next season: Reports
Apart from Ilkay Gundogan, Barcelona are also reportedly considering selling some of their other star players, including Raphinha and Frenkie De Jong.
According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, La Blaugrana haven't ruled out the possibility of selling Brazilian winger Raphinha in this transfer window. Raphinha was a guaranteed starter for Barca last season if fit and performed exceptionally well.
In 37 appearances across competitions, the Brazilian winger scored 10 goals and set up 13 more. He is reportedly not keen on leaving the club this season. Despite being a good prospect in Barca's attacking line-up, the club's well-reported financial situation may be a reason for them to consider selling some crucial players.
However, Barcelona's primary transfer target Nico Williams is believed to be staying at Athletic Club over a move to Camp Nou. Hence, it remains imperative for the club to count on Raphinha to strengthen their attack with not many options left.
Lamine Yamal is expected to be one of Barca's key strengths in the attack but he could be overused if he's required to play 90 minutes in every game. With Dani Olmo's signing from RB Leipzig, it remains to be seen how Hansi Flick deals with the attacking line-up this season.
Both Raphinha and Gundogan have been on the radar for Saudi Pro League clubs, so selling either or both could bring in crucial money for the club.
