Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick says he believes Ilkay Gundogan will remain at Barcelona this summer amid doubts about his future.
The Athletic reported Barcelona would be open to speaking to the 33-year-0ld, one of the club’s top earners, to see if he is tempted to listen to offers from elsewhere, but he has been determined to stay at the club.
Gundogan was not part of the squad for Saturday’s La Liga victory over Valencia as a precautionary measure after suffering a concussion against Monaco on Monday, and Flick explained the pair had spoken before the new campaign to gauge the midfielder’s stance.
“I spoke with him to know how he feels ahead of the season,“ Flick said. ”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”.
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Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer. He made 51 appearances during his debut season in Spain, providing five goals and 14 assists and was considered one of the side’s most consistent performers in a disappointing campaign. His Barcelona contract runs until 2025.
Barcelona also completed the signing of Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig in a deal worth €60million ($76m; £51.3m) in August. Although Olmo can play in similar positions to Gundogan, his arrival has not impacted the mindset of the German international and his intention to stay.
Barcelona began the 2024-25 campaign with a 2-1 victory over Valencia thanks to two goals from Robert Lewandowski. Flick’s side return to action on Saturday with the visit of Athletic Bilbao.
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