The midfielder branded the Catalans “a great team” but insists he isn’t hell-bent on ditching Dortmund in 2015 if the right offer isn’t tabled
Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan has described Barcelona as a “great team” but revealed he could remain at Signa Iduna Park until 2016.
Reports last month claimed Manchester United had agreed a deal to sign the midfielder this summer, only for BVB to deny that any agreement was in place.
The Germany international’s contract expires next summer but Gundogan says he could still see out his existing deal even if he doesn’t sign new terms, while flirting with Barca.
“Barcelona are a great club, but there are many great clubs out there,” he told SID.
“If I don’t renew my contract that doesn’t mean I won’t stay until 2016. I’m not hell-bent on leaving by force and would be prepared to stay for another year if that suited both sides.
“If not then it is important that my current club gets an appropriate compensation – that’s one of the reasons I extended my contract by one year last season.
The 24-year-old was also asked about the rumours surrounding a move to Manchester United and replied: “I think if they were true, I would know about it.”
Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski have both left Dortmund for Bayern Munich in consecutive summer transfer windows and the player refused to rule out following in their footsteps.
“I cannot say anything right now,” he answered regarding Bayern. “First and foremost the club has to suit me.”
The former Nurnberg man missed almost all of last season with a back problem before returning this term and has scored three goals in 29 appearances in 2014-15.