Just in: Ilkay Gundogan asks to leave Barcelona

In a huge development, Ilkay Gundogan has asked to leave FC Barcelona before the summer transfer window closes, reports SPORT.

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the 33-year-old’s future, especially today after he was left out of the squad for the La Liga game against Valencia.

While it was suggested that the veteran midfielder’s absence was due to a precaution because of the blow he suffered during the Joan Gamper Trophy match, there seems to be more to the story than meets the eye.

Gundogan on his way out?

Following his exclusion from the squad list for the Valencia game, reports surfaced claiming that Barcelona were looking to part ways with Gundogan.

The 33-year-old is one of the highest earners at the club and given the Catalans’ desperate need to free up salary space to register players like new signing Dani Olmo, the German’s exit became a viable option.

Now, it is being claimed that Gundogan himself has asked to leave Barcelona despite the fact that he and his agent, not long ago, reiterated that the former Manchester City captain had no plans of leaving the club this summer.

As per the report, the Barcelona coaching staff and the sporting department, led by director, Deco have been made aware of Gundogan’s stance as he has said ‘enough is enough’ to the never-ending speculations over his future despite him reiterating his commitment.

Gundogan was one of Barcelona’s best players last season and was expected to play a key role in Flick’s project.

But it appears that the tensions between him and the club with regard to the continued rumours of his future have convinced him to move on.

There is no shortage of interested parties if Gundogan is indeed made available. Clubs from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have all expressed an interest in signing the 33-year-old midfielder.