An FC Barcelona star has reportedly shocked the club by handing in a transfer request.
Ilkay Gundogan was not included in Barcelona's squad for the opening game of the season on Saturday, with Hansi Flick's side securing the 2-1 win.
According to SPORT, the Germany international has requested to leave the Catalan giants before the transfer window closes this month.
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The reports do come as a surprise as Gundogan only joined Barcelona a year ago from Manchester City on a free transfer.
While Barcelona claimed Gundogan's absence was due to an injury picked up in the Joan Gamper Trophy, a report from RAC1 claimed the club are keen to offload the player to raise funds and lower the wage.
Gudogan is reportedly one of the club's highest earners and the club are now said to ready off part ways with the player after just one season.
Flick spoke about the Gundogan reports after Saturday's win over Valencia at the Mestalla.
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"I think that Gündogan will stay with us. He was not 100% fit to play today," said the manager after the match as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
"He had some discomfort. I spoke to him, but that stays between us, not with you," added Flick.
