Jose Mourinho begs Fenerbahce to sign Barcelona star
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Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan of FC Barcelona, Barca protesting penalty to the referee Girona FC v FC Barcelona, La Liga || Image credit: Imago

Jose Mourinho begs Fenerbahce to sign Barcelona star

Faruq Ibrahim 23:32 - 06.08.2024

Jose Mourinho has reportedly identified a Barcelona star as a transfer target for Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho is pressuring the club to make a move for Barcelona midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, according to reports. 

The 33-year-old midfielder joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023 off the back of a treble-winning campaign for Manchester City. He was one of the few standouts in an otherwise gloomy season for the Blaugrana; however, he could be on his way out this summer. 

Barcelona willing to sell Gundogan

Despite their well-reported financial troubles, Barcelona have ambitious plans this summer and will have to sell some players to facilitate acquisitions.

The Blaugrana are said to be happy with Gundogan's level; however, he has been identified as one of the players who could be sold, given his advanced age, high wages, and the abundance of midfield talent at the club. 

Barcelona president Joan Laporta at the unveiling of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan | Imago
Barcelona president Joan Laporta at the unveiling of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan | Imago

Fenerbahce’s interest and Gundogan’s stance 

Spanish publications reported that Mourinho desires to exploit this situation and has asked the Fenerbahce leadership to table a bid for the midfielder as they seek to depose Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig. 

However, a report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Gundogan is adamant about continuing at Barcelona and has informed the club that he has no intention of leaving. 

The Germany international has a contract until the summer of 2025 at Barcelona, and according to Capology, he is one of the highest-paid players at the club, with a weekly wage of €360,577, not including bonuses, which amounts to €18,750,000 for the year.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are closing their first summer signing after reportedly reaching an agreement with Leipzig for Dani Olmo.

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