Ilkay Gundogan's agent hits back at shock claims midfielder wants to leave Barcelona and join Galatasaray

Recent reports in Turkey suggested Gundogan is in talks to join Galatasaray. However, the player's agent, Ilhan Gundogan, vehemently denied any such intention. He insisted that the German midfielder, who signed a two-year deal with Barcelona in the summer, remains committed to the Spanish giants and that there were no discussions with Galatasaray's representatives. He emphasised that Ilkay is content at Barcelona and is currently focused on his goals.

As reported byMundo Deportivo, Ilhan said: “The reports in the press these days about Ilkay do not reflect the truth. I did not meet anyone from Galatasaray before theBayern Munichgame to talk about Ilkay. There was no development, meeting, or anything that came to us in this regard. I want to make this clear. Neither I nor Ilkay can understand how this news came about. Ilkay is very happy at Barcelona and is focused on what he wants to achieve there and on his goals.”

This marked the second media storm surrounding Gundogan within a month. Earlier, the player had openly criticised Barcelona after their El Clasico defeat and there were also reports about the family's adjustment issues in the new city following their move from Manchester. Sara Gundogan, his partner, had to refute such speculations in public to stop the controversy from spiralling and claimed that they were well settled in their new life, with the club playing an important role in helping them adapt to the new surroundings.

Gundogan has established himself as a key piece of Xavi's jigsaw and has made 17 appearances so far this season. He will be back in action with Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano on November 25 in a La Liga fixture.