Barcelona have reportedly identified their next major transfer target as uncertainty surrounds Ilkay Gundogan’s future with the club.
Gundogan, who ended his successful seven-year tenure at Manchester City last summer, including winning the Champions League, is now being linked with a possible return to Manchester before the transfer window closes.
The Guardian reports that Gundogan is interested in rejoining Manchester City, who are also keen on bringing him back. Despite not featuring in Barcelona’s opening La Liga victory over Valencia, manager Hansi Flick has a sense that the 33-year-old will remain in Spain. Barcelona secured Gundogan on a free transfer last year and included a £342 million buyout clause in his contract, though this amount wouldn’t necessarily need to be paid by potential suitors.
According to recent reports, Barcelona might allow Gundogan to leave if they can acquire another high-profile player. Spanish journalist Fernando Polo suggests that AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is their top target for this transfer window. Leao is reportedly eager to join Barcelona, but Milan is asking for approximately €90 million for his transfer.
