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Ilkay Gundogan's agent shuts down Galatasaray rumours

Ilkay Gundogan's agent shuts down Galatasaray rumours
© Reuters
Ilkay Gundogan's agent denies suggestions that he has held discussions with Galatasaray over a move to the club for the Barcelona midfielder.

Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan's agent has firmly denied suggestions that he has held discussions with Galatasaray over a move to the Turkish giants for his client.

Turkish Journalist Burhan Can Terzi has claimed that Gundogan has shown an interest in making a move to Galatasaray before the end of his career and expressed a desire to "talk to Barca about this issue".

"Gundogan told his representative that he is at the end of his career and that he wants to wear the Galatasaray shirt before retiring," the journalist said via SPORT.

"Gundogan said that he was prepared to talk to Barca about this issue."

However, the 33-year-old's agent and brother Ilhan Gundogan has shut down the rumours surrounding a possible move to the Istanbul outfit at some stage in the near future.

Barcelona's Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring against Real Madrid on October 28, 2023© Reuters

"The reports in the press these days about Ilkay do not reflect the truth. I did not meet anyone from Galatasaray before the Bayern Munich game to talk about Ilkay," the agent said in a statement.

"There was no development, meeting or anything that came to us in this regard.

"I want to make this clear. Neither I nor Ilkay can understand how this news came about. Ilkay is very happy at Barcelona and is focused on what he wants to achieve there and on his goals."

Gundogan made the move to Camp Nou on a free transfer over the summer, deciding against signing a new contract at Manchester City in order to join the Catalan outfit on a two-year deal.

Barcelona players celebrate after Ilkay Gundogan scores against Real Madrid on October 28, 2023© Reuters

The midfielder has made 17 appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring once and providing five assists in the process, immediately becoming a vital player for the club.

Gundogan's happiness with the Catalan outfit has been called into question this season, though, and he was critical of his teammates for their reaction to the recent loss in El Clasico.

"I don't want to say anything wrong, but I was in the dressing room and there was disappointment, but to be honest, I would've liked to see more frustration and anger," Gundogan told La Liga TV after the defeat to Real Madrid in Spain's top flight.

"There should be stronger feelings. I did not come here to lose these types of matches. There is also a responsibility from myself to not allow the squad to let things happen. We need resistance."

Gundogan is currently with the Germany squad preparing for their upcoming international friendlies with Turkey and Austria.

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Written by
Matt Law

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Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan celebrates scoring their second goal on February 12, 2023
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