Ilkay Gundogan Offered ‘Serious’ Money By Saudi Arabia, Transfer Becomes Difficult
Ilkay Gundogan completed a major feat last night by leading Manchester City to a historic treble. His performance was crucial in helping the team get their hands on the Champions League table, as they beat Inter Milan.
Shortly after Man City’s triumph, there has been increased scrutiny of Gundogan’s future. Barcelona, no doubt, are keen on incorporating the services of the veteran midfielder, whose contract at Man City expires at the end of the season.
But the Catalans are facing external pressure. According to Diario SPORT, Al-Ittihad are complicating the process by offering him a mammoth deal. After signing Karim Benzema on a free transfer, the Saudi giants are ready to splurge on Gundogan.
Barcelona have already sent their contract offer for the German international, but no agreement has been signed just yet. The club cannot guarantee immediate player registration either.
Therefore, the offer from Al-Ittihad could potentially lure the player to move to the Middle East. Apart from the Saudi giants, Gundogan’s former club Borussia Dortmund have also approached him, offering him a long-term contract and the chance to become the direct replacement for Jude Bellingham.
Barcelona are hopeful Gundogan will not move to Saudi Arabia and would want to continue in Europe for a few more years. But nothing is guaranteed right now, and the player has no desire to speak about the future right now.
He wants to celebrate the historic treble-winning campaign with his Manchester City teammates. The German is expected to make a decision next week when the celebrations even die down.
Hence, this promises to be a tense week for Barcelona as they look to secure the services of the Manchester City superstar, who might even opt to prolong his stay at the Etihad.
