Barcelona are eager to lower their payroll as they incorporate new signing Dani Olmo into their team.
Manchester United’s already slim chances of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer have been further diminished by Ilkay Gundogan’s intention to leave Barcelona, Sport reported on Sunday.
Barcelona are eager to lower their wage bill this summer as they incorporate new signing Dani Olmo into their squad. However, the prospect of losing both Gundogan and De Jong appears highly unlikely.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who previously worked with Frenkie de Jong at Ajax, has been linked with a reunion on multiple occasions. He has already brought former Ajax duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to Old Trafford, both of whom played in the opening-day victory over Fulham.
However, it now seems unlikely that De Jong will be the third to join. Doubts have always surrounded the credibility of the latest reports linking the Dutch international with a move, but the rumors of Ilkay Gundogan’s departure appear more substantial.
According to the publication, the German international has informed Barcelona’s top management that he wishes to leave this summer, despite making a strong impression in his debut season with the club. However, manager Hansi Flick remains cautiously optimistic that the player will stay.
Gundogan, who joined on a free transfer from Manchester City last summer, featured in 36 of the team’s 38 league games. He scored five league goals and provided four assists in the Champions League, helping Barcelona reach the quarter-finals.
It has been a summer of change at Camp Nou, with Flick replacing Xavi as manager, and the club appears ready to let high-earner Gundogan depart if a suitable offer is made. Earlier reports suggested a move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia could be on the horizon, but both player and club are still waiting for developments on that front.
Meanwhile, another midfielder linked with United has completed a move elsewhere. France international Youssouf Fofana, who was reportedly considered as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte for the defensive midfield role, has opted to join AC Milan.
“It had a big effect when it came time for my decision,” Fofana said after joining the Rossoneri. “When the club is pursuing you like AC Milan was pursuing me, it’s obvious you want to go there.
“This is the right moment, for me and the squad: now I am a complete player, I want to play in the Champions League and win the Scudetto. I cannot wait to start. The project I saw from the club aligns with my ideas.”
