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Ilkay Gundogan agent confirms future is "still open"

Ilkay Gundogan agent confirms future is
© Reuters
The uncle and agent of Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan insists that the midfielder's future remains open amid links with Barcelona.

The agent of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has insisted that the midfielder's future remains open amid claims that he will sign for Barcelona this summer.

The 32-year-old's contract with the Premier League champions expires in three months' time, and if nothing changes between now and June, he will depart as a free agent.

Gundogan has been free to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign clubs since January, and he is thought to be a priority midfield target for Barcelona.

Recent reports from Spain have claimed that Man City believe that Gundogan wants to leave, with his wife growing tired of life in Manchester and welcoming the change of scene that Catalonia would bring.

It has even been reported that the former Borussia Dortmund man has a pre-agreement in place with the La Liga leaders, but no firm decision on his future has been made of yet.

Ilkay Gundogan in action for Germany on September 26, 2022© Reuters

As quoted by The Guardian, Ilhan Gundogan - the midfielder's uncle and representative - said: "There's definitely no agreement yet with any club.

"The focus of Ilkay in recent weeks was only on Manchester City and the birth of his son. Now he is in the final and crucial phase of the season and is completely focused on that. Where Ilkay plays next season is still open."

Following the exit of Fernandinho at the end of last season, Gundogan was voted to be City's next captain by his teammates, and he remains an integral player for Pep Guardiola.

The Germany international has come up with four goals and four assists from 37 games in all tournaments this term, starting 20 Premier League games and a further seven in the Champions League.

Since following Guardiola to the Etihad in 2016, Gundogan has amassed 53 goals and 37 assists in 290 matches for the Premier League champions, winning four top-flight titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups and two Community Shield titles.

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets on October 16, 2022© Reuters

Barcelona are on the hunt for a new lynchpin amid continued uncertainty surrounding the future of Sergio Busquets, who is also out of contract at the end of the season.

La Blaugrana have apparently presented the 34-year-old with a one-year extension, but he is yet to respond to the club's offer of a new deal amid interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia.

Franck Kessie and Frenkie de Jong's futures have also been clouded in uncertainty, although the latter's agency have denied claims that he could be on the way out this summer.

Meanwhile, rumours surrounding a move to Manchester United for De Jong have resurfaced again, but the Dutchman has since reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona.

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