Al Sadd make surprise move to sign Barcelona star this summer - Reports

Qatari outfit Al Sadd have reportedly made an offer for Barcelona superstar Ilkay Gundogan. The German midfielder has spent a year at Camp Nou and will play under his former national team manager Hansi Flick next season.

That's unless Barca decides to accept the offer for an undisclosed fee. Spanish outlet Esport3 reports that the Doha-based club have offered Gundogan, 33, a three-year deal. He has a year left on his contract with the Catalans.

Gundogan joined the Blaugrana as a free agent last summer after leaving Manchester City. He impressed during the 2023-24 campaign with five goals and 14 assists in 51 games across competitions.

Interestingly, Al Sadd are the club Gundogan's former Barcelona manager Xavi ended his playing career with. He then took charge of them as their coach before arriving at Camp Nou in November 2021.

Xavi played a key role in signing Gundogan last summer, which the Germany international touched on when joining. He said (via Daily Mail):

"Xavi made his ideas of how the team wants to play very clear. It's very similar to how we played in Man City."

Gundogan's future has been the topic of speculation, with reports claiming Barca could cash in on him. The Catalans' worrying financial situation continues to take hold and could lead to high-profile departures. He's said to be mulling over Al Sadd's offer heading into pre-season.

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Hansi Flick is reportedly set to hand Ilkay Gundogan a more withdrawn role at Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan's game time might be limited at Barcelona next season.

Gundogan might be persuaded to leave Barcelona ahead of Flick's reign in charge at Camp Nou. He played under the German tactician at international level, but the new Blaugrana boss' spell was a disaster.

SPORT reports that Gundogan isn't likely to be a key member of Flick's Barca team next season. The pair are set to hold talks over the former City captain's future, and a departure would help the La Liga giant's finances.

Gundogan was one of Xavi's most important players last season, a constant presence at the heart of midfield. His experience, leadership qualities, and abilities on and off the ball helped the Catalans.

Flick might be looking to build for the future, and he has a squad brimming with youthful talent. Gavi, 19, Pedri, 21, and Fermin Lopez, 21, are three of the club's rising stars. The German tactician also has Frenkie de Jong, 27, to select when he's back from injury.