Ilkay Gundogan not in Barcelona squad as midfielder delivers transfer bombshell

Barcelona travelled to Valencia on Saturday, August 17 for their opening La Liga match of the 2024/25 season, with one significant absentee from their squad.

Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was left out of the party that headed to Mestalla for the league clash with Ruben Baraja's team, with Barca pointing to physical problems for the Germany international.

However, it now appears that Gundogan may in fact have played his final match for the club.

A report from Sport just hours before kickoff against Valencia claimed that Gundogan has informed Barca that he wants to leave before the end of the transfer window.

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Tomas Andreu wrote that the former Manchester City star has told manager Hansi Flick and his coaching staff, plus club officials, that he wishes to move elsewhere before September.

There have been rumors for some weeks that Gundogan could be moved on. Although he was one of Barca's standout performers in 2023/24, the fact he turns 34 in October — coupled with the impending return from injury of Pedri, and the arrival of new signing Dani Olmo — mean Barca would not oppose his departure.

Additionally, the Catalans are desperate to raise funds to ease their financial crisis, and with Gundogan's contract expiring on June 30 next year, they must sell the player now or risk losing him for nothing in 2025.