Gundogan Requests Transfer from FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has reportedly requested to leave the club during the current transfer window, according to sources cited by SPORT. The news follows his unexpected omission from the squad for the season opener against Valencia, attributed to an eyebrow injury sustained during the Joan Gamper Trophy match against AS Monaco. Despite coming on as a substitute, Gundogan's performance was criticized, leading to speculation about his future at the club. RAC1's Marta Ramon suggested that Gundogan's exclusion from the squad was a strategic move by the club to encourage his departure. SPORT confirmed that the German international, who joined Barcelona just a year ago on a free transfer from Manchester City, has expressed his desire to end his tenure with the Catalan club. The report indicates that Gundogan has communicated his intentions to both the coaching staff and the sporting department, signaling a clear wish to negotiate an exit before the summer transfer window closes. Gundogan, who turns 34 in October, has attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, where his family roots lie. Galatasaray's president has openly expressed interest in signing him, while Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, is also keen on acquiring the midfielder. Barcelona, facing financial constraints and the need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, may find it beneficial to offload Gundogan's substantial salary, especially with the recent acquisition of Dani Olmo bolstering their midfield options.