Gundogan asks Barcelona to leave in summer

Every cloud has a silver lining at Barcelona. Less than two hours before the start of the match against Valencia, Spanish outlet 'Sport' leaked that Ilkay Gundogan wanted to leave the Catalan club, a request that has been heeded by the Spanish club.

Barcelona are keen for the German international to leave before the summer transfer window closes. The main reason is financial. Gundogan's departure would be a financial relief, mainly due to the release of the wage bill. 

It would also help to generate space in the Financial Fair Play that could be used to register another player such as Dani Olmo, who has not yet been registered.

The Spaniard's presence could affect Gundogan's opportunities in the squad, who are joined by Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez and Gavi, as well as Frenkie de Jong.

With 12 days left until the transfer window closes, Gundogan's future is more uncertain than ever. 'Sport' includes the possibility of Barcelona letting him leave as a free agent. The club and the player can agree to close a period that both would have preferred longer.