“Sport” newspaper reported that Barcelona’s management has begun to consider the idea of selling Ilkay Gundogan this summer in order to comply with financial fair play rules.
Barcelona’s initial plan was to sell one of the trio of Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, or Ansu Fati, but the injuries they have suffered make it impossible for any of them to leave this summer.
Barcelona’s management is aware that the only way to complete contracts and comply with financial fair play is for one of the stars to leave, and they have tentatively settled on Gundogan’s name.
The German international’s contract runs until the summer of 2025 with the possibility of a one-year extension, and the player’s desire is still clear to continue with coach Hansi Flick’s squad.
The 33-year-old received an offer from the Qatari league in recent weeks with a huge salary, but he rejected it and is determined to continue at Camp Nou.
Things may change in the coming weeks if Gundogan feels that Barcelona does not want to keep him and the urgent need to sell him, unless Barca succeeds in selling another player, most likely Raphinha.
The Brazilian international has received multiple offers from Saudi Arabia in recent months, but he too refuses to leave and wants to fight for his place with Barcelona.