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Barcelona transfer news: Key midfielder 'could be sold' amid financial concerns

Barcelona 'open' to selling key midfielder amid financial concerns
© Imago
Barcelona are reportedly open to selling a key midfielder this summer amid concerns over their financial situation.

Barcelona are reportedly open to selling midfielder Ilkay Gundogan this summer amid concerns over their financial situation.

The 33-year-old joined the Catalan giants on a free transfer last summer after seven hugely successful seasons at Manchester City.

Gundogan established himself as an important first-team player under former boss Xavi in his debut campaign at Barca, contributing with five goals and 14 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions.

The Germany international now has a year remaining on his contract, but he has the option to extend it by a further 12 months, and he is believed to be happy at Camp Nou.

Gundogan has been linked with a potential move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, although manager Okan Buruk recently revealed that the midfielder "will continue at Barcelona for another season".

Germany's Ilkay Gundogan during the press conference on March 22, 2024© Reuters

Barca to consider Gundogan sale this summer?

That may not be the case, though, as Sport claims that Barcelona are open to selling Gundogan this summer as they look to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

The report states that Gundogan is rated highly by the La Liga giants ahead of Hansi Flick's first season in charge of the club, but the midfielder is one of many players who is not deemed unsellable.

It is understood that Gundogan has never expressed a desire to leave Barca, despite receiving 'several interesting financial proposals' this summer.

If Barcelona were to sell Gundogan, any transfer fee that they receive would represent net profit as the midfielder only joined the club for free 12 months ago.

Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates scoring their first goal on April 10, 2024© Reuters

Who else could leave Barcelona this summer?

Gundogan is not the only high-profile player who has been tipped to depart Barcelona this summer, as Ronald Araujo, Frenkie De Jong and Raphinha are among those said to be facing uncertain futures at Camp Nou.

Both Bayern Munich and Manchester United have been linked with moves for Araujo and De Jong, although the latter would allegedly prefer to join Man City.

Raphinha, meanwhile, has been the subject of interest from Arsenal, who have reportedly approached Barca with a bid of £34m for the Brazil international.

Meanwhile, a number of fringe players at Barca are set to seek pastures, new including defender Marco Alonso and versatile midfielder Sergi Roberto.

Both Alonso and Roberto struggled for regular first-team football last season and they are expected to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of this month.

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Written by
Oliver Thomas

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New FC Barcelona player Ilkay Gundogan poses for a picture during the presentation on July 17, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona18122450203038
2Atletico MadridAtletico17115131112038
3Real Madrid17114237162137
4Athletic Bilbao1896327161133
5Villarreal177642928127
6Mallorca188371821-327
7Real Sociedad177461611525
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Osasuna176742225-325
10Real BetisBetis176652021-124
11Sevilla176471823-522
12Rayo Vallecano175661920-121
13Celta Vigo176382528-321
14Las PalmasLas Palmas175482227-519
15Leganes174671523-818
16Getafe173771114-316
17AlavesAlaves174491928-916
18Espanyol1743101629-1315
19Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512
20Valencia162591424-1011


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