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Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is evaluating his future at Barcelona as speculation surrounding a potential departure intensifies.

Gundogan has spent only one full season at the Spanish club following his free transfer from Manchester City.

The 33-year-old is still contracted to the Catalan giants for two more years. However, he has been informed the club will not hinder him in case he finds a suitable move this summer.

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Various clubs in Saudi Arabia, England, and Spain are reportedly interested in acquiring the midfielder’s services. He played 51 times in all competitions last campaign, helping Barça finish runners-up in the Spanish La Liga.

Should Dani Olmo’s arrival worry Gundogan?

Gundogan was a very important player for Barcelona last term. However, his present situation has been influenced by the club’s complicated financial position. This comes alongside Barcelona’s £51m acquisition of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig earlier this month.

Gundogan missed Barcelona’s season opener against Valencia on Saturday due to a concussion. The player also announced his retirement from international football on Monday after grabbing a total of 82 caps.

Just like Gundogan, Olmo also did not play in the 2-1 victory at Valencia. New head coach Hansi Flick stated the new signing is not yet fully fit.

That aside, there is no denying the fact Olmo is not officially registered to play for Barcelona as of now.

La Liga’s stringent cost control measures have Barcelona in a financial bind, with their spending currently surpassing the annual cap. To avoid any breaches, the club must find a way to generate funds before they can think about registering Olmo.

To balance the books, Barça has a few options: unlock new revenue streams, offload players, or slash the wage bill. One of the more intriguing possibilities involves Ilkay Gündogan.

As one of the club’s top earners, the German midfielder might become a prime candidate for a cut-price sale. Barça could also be tempted to cash in, freeing up much-needed financial space.

“… he will stay” – Flick

Gundogan was a mainstay in Barcelona’s lineup under Xavi Hernandez last season. Though Xavi departed this summer, his successor brings a familiar face to the helm—Hansi Flick, Gundogan’s compatriot and former manager with the German national team.

This reunion could offer Gundogan a unique continuity, even amidst the club’s changing dynamics.

Commenting on Gundogan’s situation, Flick remarked: “I know him very well. I appreciate the player and the person he is.

“We spoke about everything, but it will stay between us. It’s not for you to know. I have a feeling he will stay.”

Tags: Hansi Flick, Barcelona, Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan, Xavi, Xavi Hernandez, #LaLiga, #Gundogan, #Blaugrana, #Catalans, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcsports.