16 November 2023 , 12:28
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Ilkay Gundogan will NOT be leaving Barcelona despite talk of a move to Galatasaray, the midfielder’s agent has confirmed.
The German midfielder only signed for the Spanish giants in the summer after leaving Manchester City at the end of his contract. He put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Barcelona and has already established himself as a key player under Xavi.
Despite that, recent reports suggested that he could be on the way out mere months after his arrival. Turkish media reported that Gundogan had expressed a wish to sign for Galatasaray, while it was also revealed that his representatives had already held talks with the Super Lig giants.
The German’s agent and brother Ilhan Gundogan has moved to pour cold water on any exit rumours by stating that the 33-year-old is committed to Barcelona. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, he said: “The reports in the press these days about Ilkay do not reflect the truth.
“I did not meet anyone from Galatasaray before the Bayern Munich game to talk about Ilkay. There was no development, meeting or anything that came to us in this regard.
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“I want to make this clear. Neither I nor Ilkay can understand how this news came about. Ilkay is very happy at Barcelona and is focused on what he wants to achieve there and on his goals.”
Ahead of his move to Barcelona, Gundogan was actually linked with making a move across the Premier League. Mikel Arteta ’s Arsenal were among the parties interested in recruiting his services on a free transfer.
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Arteta had previously worked with Gundogan during his time as Pep Guardiola ’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium. The 33-year-old has since opened up on why he chose to pursue a move to Barcelona instead.
Speaking in September, he said: "I’m honest. And many people don’t know this: In the end, it wasn’t about a year or two. There was no problem with the running time. City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified.
"If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different. So in the end it was the perfect ending, it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona."
Gundogan has made 17 appearances for Barca this season, his only goal so far coming in the 2-1 defeat to fierce rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico. He also has three assists to his name. The midfielder has been named in the latest Germany squad for the upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Austria.