Ilkay Gundogan wants to stay at Galatasaray beyond January and hails Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan has dismissed reports that he could leave Galatasaray during the upcoming winter transfer window, saying he wants to remain with the Turkish club beyond January and help them win another trophy.

Galatasaray face Barcelona next Tuesday in the second round of the Champions League league phase, with Gundogan describing Barcelona as the best team.

Asked by Mundo Deportivo about speculation over his future, the Germany midfielder said: “These are untrue rumours. I want to stay here beyond the winter transfer window and give everything I have to win another title with Galatasaray.”

Gundogan also praised Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who previously coached the Germany national team, for the impact he has made at the Spanish club.

“​​Hansi is an exceptional coach who knows exactly how to manage a team,” Gundogan said. “He has a very clear football philosophy while also creating a positive atmosphere. The speed with which his ideas have succeeded at Barcelona shows how good he is.”

He added: “Flick took charge of the Germany national team during an extremely difficult period, and you can still see how challenging that task was. Discipline and high standards are essential to him, because you cannot succeed at the highest level without them.”

“Flick creates an environment in which everyone feels valued and wants to give their best.”

Gundogan was also asked about comments he made during his time at Barcelona and the criticism he received from friends.

“Whenever I spoke publicly, my only motivation was my deep love for the club and my strong desire to win,” he said. “I always demand the highest standards from myself, and I try to foster the same sense of responsibility among those around me.”

The midfielder joined Barcelona in the summer of 2023 before leaving in the summer of 2024. He made 51 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists.

“My comments were never intended as negative criticism,” Gundogan said. “Their purpose was to help us develop as a team and meet the demands of a club the size of Barcelona.”

He finished by discussing Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, saying the teenager’s talent had been evident from his first training session with the club.

“From his very first training session with us, it was clear that Lamine possessed extraordinary talent,” Gundogan said. “But the maturity and consistency he shows on the world stage at such a young age are astonishing. He plays with an ease and spontaneity that we rarely see.

“Watching him is a real pleasure for me. I wish him all the best and, most importantly, hope he stays healthy.”

Galatasaray began their Champions League league-phase campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Portuguese side Sporting CP.