- Ilkay Gundogan has emerged as a summer target for Turkish side Galatasaray
- However, the German has reportedly decided to stay at Barcelona this summer
- Sunday league, grassroots, pub football… how Pep’s influence has trickled down the pyramid – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Ilkay Gundogan will reportedly stay at Barcelona in the summer despite major interest from abroad.
The German international’s first season in Spain ended in disappointment as the Catalan giants failed to win a trophy throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
It’s an unfamiliar feeling for Gundogan who, for many years, won numerous titles with Manchester City before eventually calling an end to his time there last summer.
Now, despite growing interest from abroad, Gundogan looks set to stay in LaLiga as he prepares for a reunion with former national team boss Hansi Flick.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 33-year-old – who’s current deal at the Nou Camp will expire in summer 2025 – plans to stay with Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan will reportedly choose to stay at Barcelona despite interest from abroad
The German star’s debut season with the Spanish giants ended in a disappointing campaign
The news comes just a few days after Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek admitting that it would be his ‘dream’ to sign the former City midfielder.
‘I think we have to sign about three players to compete in the Champions League. Maybe it is time to try to complete the signing of my dreams: Ilkay Gündogan,’ he said.
Despite interest from the Turkish champions, Gundogan reportedly plans on staying as he prepares for Flick’s arrival at the Nou Camp.
Gundogan and Flick worked together during the latter’s time as German national team boss – which came to an end back in September.
Speaking at the time, Gundogan said: ‘I have the feeling of having let Flick down. The atmosphere in the team is currently a mixture of sadness, frustration and disappointment.
‘As a player, I have the feeling that I have let Hansi [Flick] down, to be completely honest. He was always focused, motivated and full of energy. Unfortunately, as a team we couldn’t turn that into something.’
Barcelona announced the appointment of Hansi Flick (right) as their new first-team manager
Gundogan will likely be looking forward to working with his former national team boss
On Wednesday, Barcelona announced the appointment of Flick as their new manager following the departure of Xavi.
The former Germany and Bayern Munich boss has penned a two-year deal with the club after a tumultuous few weeks at the Nou Camp.
Xavi had originally announced in January that he was going to depart his role in the summer, before Barcelona president Joan Laporta convinced the club legend to stay in April.
However, the former Spanish midfielder then publicly criticised Barcelona’s financial position, infuriating Laporta, who decided to sack Xavi last Friday.
