A few weeks ago, José Mourinho surprised everyone. After leaving Roma, the Portuguese coach was spoiled for choice for his future team. And against all expectations, he finally decided to head to Turkey and the Fenerbahçe club. A big coup for the Istanbul club which decided to rebuild its team and provide José Mourinho with a competitive squad for both the championship and the European Cup. In this sense, Youssef En-Nesyri arrived for 20 million euros, Çağlar Söyüncü also joined the club for 9 million, as did the Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin who has already left Saudi Arabia.
The goal is clear, to become the number one team in Turkey again and potentially perform in the Champions League. And it will start this Thursday with the preliminary rounds of the Champions League and this double confrontation against Lille. If José Mourinho must therefore think about the sporting side with the stated objective of qualification, he continues to take a look at the transfer market. And his management, which therefore wants to offer him an XXL squad, has decided to want to please him with a new lead in midfield.
Barca open to sale
According to information fromASJosé Mourinho has asked for İlkay Gündoğan from his management. The Portuguese coach believes that the German international would be the perfect reinforcement in midfield. Once announced, Galatasaray is ultimately not in the running to get him back unlike Fenerbahçe. The management has already started negotiations with the player’s agent and brother. And if the player wants to stay at Barça and is appreciated by Hansi Flick, the economic reality is very different. A few days ago, the Catalan press revealed that FC Barcelona needed cash and was clearly not against parting with the German international, a strong market value.
Under contract until June 2025 (with an optional year), İlkay Gündoğan is therefore likely to pack his bags. But Barça, aware of his importance, will not part with him by selling him off. At 33 years old, he can still bring something to the Blaugranas. And of course, his profile is coveted. But José Mourinho therefore wants to take advantage of Barça’s situation to recover a player who would never have left Spain for Turkey without it. AS specifies however that Gundogan, who had explained several times that his favorite club in Turkey was called Galatasaray, will have difficulty going to a rival team… To be continued.
