Barcelona manager Hasni Flick is hoping that Ilkay Gundogan will remain at the club despite the German midfielder being linked with a move away from the club. Gundogan has been a regular for Barca since coming to the club, but was absent for their trip to the Mestalla to face Valencia. In recent days, rumours have come in that he could be on his way out of the club.

Speaking to the reporters after the win over Valencia, the Barca manager revealed the real reason why Gundogan missed the match. Flick said that the German had hurt his eyebrow during the Joan Camper trophy match against AS Monaco and was staying at home. Flick said that he had talked to Gundogan and they maintain a good relationship.

“(Gundogan) hurt his eyebrow on Monday and that’s why he’s staying at home,” Flick told reporters after the game.

“I have spoken to him about many things, but it is something between him and me, we have a good relationship.”

“I have the feeling that he will stay,” he said.

However, Flick didn’t definitely say that Gundogan would stay at the club.

What Gundogan’s camp said about his future

Gundogan’s agent, according to Marca, said that the player was intent on staying at Barcelona, despite interest from other teams. Gundogan’s agent said that the midfielder is intent on starting the new season and helping Barca achieve their objectives.

“It is true that some clubs have shown interest in signing him, but Ilkay’s position is clear: he is going to stay at Barcelona. He is looking forward to starting the new season and helping Barça achieve its objectives,” said Gundogan’s agent.

Gundogan had earlier said that he isn’t planning to leave Barca this summer despite admitting he plans to join the Turkish Super League.

“One day I will join the Turkish Super League, but it won’t be this summer.”

Barcelona will now turn their attention towards Athletic Bilbao on August 24, Saturday in their second match of the LaLiga season.