Why might Gündogan have already decided that he wants to leave FC Barcelona?

Ilkay Gündogan could become the new protagonist of the FC Barcelona transfer market. According to information from 'SPORT', the player has reportedly asked to leave the club and has even told coach Hansi Flick the reasons why he has decided to say goodbye to Barcelona this summer.

The German national team captain's contract ends in June 2025 and, although he was expected to fulfil it in full, there is a possibility that he will leave Spain before August 30. The main reason he wants to say goodbye is his role in the German coach's squad. The midfielder is 33 years old and there are serious doubts about what his future will be like at the Blaugrana club, especially after the signing of Dani Olmo, which could leave him without playing as many minutes as he would have liked.

It is important to note that Gündogan was the player who played the most games in the 2023/24 season. He played 51 games for a total of 4,180 minutes, having a great performance in the final stretch of the campaign, consolidating himself as one of the best players in Xavi Hernández's squad. But now he would not be fundamental for the team, so goodbye could be close.

Gündogan and the competition at Barcelona

One of the reasons why the German would want to leave Barcelona would be the 'overbooking' in his position. Olmo can adapt to any position, although where he likes to play the most is as '10', where Gündogan is most productive. Although the Spaniard is not yet registered, he will be available soon, especially if the German leaves, because Barça would get the necessary salary margin to add him to the LaLiga squad.

Pedri and Fermín can also be rivals in their position. Both are young and have a lot of talent, so it would not be easy for the German to win their place. That's not counting when Gavi returns, which could be at the end of October after his serious injury. Although the German captain can help in the double pivot, his game would be more limited and he would not be able to explore his full potential.

The German will say goodbye in a friendly manner

The footballer does not want to cause problems for the Blaugrana board and these would facilitate his departure. The German knows that his opinion would be well received in the offices when it comes to lightening the wage bill. All this was discussed with Flick, who would have understood the situation and would not oppose his departure if the footballer so wishes, despite the fact that he had it among his plans for this season.

Gündogan could be released soon and go to a new team. On several occasions he has said that he wants to play in Turkey and both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce would be interested in his services and, of course, he could also receive offers from Saudi Arabia. The player would like to end his time wearing the Blaugrana shirt with great respect and even sent a message on social media congratulating the club for its victory against Valencia in the first matchday of LaLiga.

It should be remembered that the German was not called up for this match because he was not in a condition to play after receiving a blow to the eyebrow against AS Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy. If negotiations drag on or the exit falls through, he will be placed under Flick's orders for the matchday 2 of the Spanish league against Athletic in Montjuic.