Barcelona are reportedly open to making the sale of Ilkay Gundogan this summer with clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar showing interest in the veteran.
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Barcelona looking to make sales this summerGundogan has interest from Saudi and QatarGerman's contract set to expire in summer of 2025Getty Images/GoalWHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona's economic issues are well documented with the Catalan side struggling to make big-money signings over the last season. While the situation has improved over the previous 12 months, Barcelona are looking to sign Spain stars Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. To do so, they will have to make sales first as the duo is set to cost Barcelona over €100 million (£84.4m/$108.5m).
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Barcelona are said to be looking to offload Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati in moves that would give them a lot of leeway with potential purchases. However, the trio have suffered injuries, with the former two unlikely to feature for Hansi Flick's side until the end of 2024. As such, the newest name to be linked with a departure is Gundogan as per SPORT [via BILD]. As per the report, Barcelona already know of two admirers of the German, Qatari club Al Sadd and an unnamed club from Saudi Arabia.
(C)GettyImagesDID YOU KNOW?
Another Barcelona star who could leave the club is Brazilian winger Raphinha, who reportedly has caught the attention of Saudi Pro League's top two in Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Earlier reports have suggested that the 27-year-old's sale could garner Barcelona over €90 million (£76.2m/$97.8m).
WHAT NEXT FOR GUNDOGAN?
The former Manchester City star's current contract with the Catalan side is set to expire in the summer of 2025 and if the club are not looking to extend his contract, they may try to complete his sale this summer regardless of their economic situation.