Veteran Barca midfielder expresses his desire to feature in Turkish League but not this summer

Since Barca has been pursuing their dream transfer targets, including the likes of Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, there have been speculations that they would want a big name to leave the club. Even though they weren't able to sign Nico, Olmo did cost a hefty amount of €47M to them.

To accumulate funds to smoothen their transfer window further, the Blaugrana club has been on the lookout to sell some star players like De Jong, Ilkay Gundogan, Ronald Araujo. But De Jong and Araujo being injured currently, their chances of making a move fades out this summer.

Veteran Barca midfielder expresses his desire to feature in Turkish League but not this summer

Moreover, Barca hasn't forced either Ilkay Gundogan to leave, the message regarding his future is clear, if he wants to leave, then only Barca would proceed. However, despite many European clubs being in the race to acquire the German's signature, Ilkay has made it clear that he wants to stay.

According to reports from Diario SPORT, Gundogan's entourage have made it clear that he is very happy at Barcelona and has no intention of leaving. The report mentions that Gundogan is really liked by Flick and he knows that he will be as important this season with Flick as he was last season with Xavi.

Further, Gundogan's agents had a similar say on the German's Barca future,

"It is true that some clubs have shown interest in Ilkay and want to sign him, but Ilkay's position is very clear, he will stay at Barcelona. He is looking forward to the new season in Spain and to helping Barca achieve their goals for the season."

- Gundogan's agent

As mentioned, it is clear that Gundogan would be seen as an important Catalan player this season as well. Being the experienced midfielder he is, he might come crucial as the second pivot alongside a young Marc Bernal, in Flick's double pivot system.

However, considering that he is 33-years-old, it is certain that Gundogan doesn't have many years left in his European career. Speaking about his plans for the future, Gundogan said,

"Someday I can be transferred to the Super League (Turkish league) but it will not be this summer"

- Ilkay Gundogan

Overall, Ilkay Gundogan is set to remain a FC Barcelona player in the upcoming season, and would be expected to play a crucial role in Barca's hunt for European glory.