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Galatasaray midfielder Ilkay Gundogan could leave the Istanbul club during the January transfer window, with Saudi Arabian teams reportedly keeping track of the 35-year-old as his contract approaches its end.
Gundogan, whose performances have come under criticism, is reportedly no longer part of head coach Okan Buruk's plans and could move on before his contract expires at the end of the season.
Saudi Arabian clubs are said to be following Gundogan's situation closely, while the experienced midfielder is reportedly looking to join a team where he can secure regular playing time during the final stages of his career.
The situation could therefore pick up in January, when the mid-season transfer window opens and Gundogan may have an opportunity to leave Galatasaray.
Galatasaray President Dursun Ozbek also addressed Gundogan's position during a sponsorship ceremony, stressing that decisions over the midfielder's role belonged to Buruk.
"Ilkay Gundogan is an important player for us. The management that signed Ilkay included me personally. I consider him a very successful player, but I cannot comment on determining his place in the team; that is Okan Buruk's job. We have to respect his decision," Ozbek said.
The uncertainty around Gundogan has also been accompanied by an incident involving his family in Istanbul.
According to journalist Ali Naci Kucuk, Gundogan's wife, Sara Gundogan, and their son Kais were subjected to verbal abuse while visiting a shopping mall.
Kucuk reported that Kais began crying after the incident, while Sara Gundogan became frightened and contacted Galatasaray officials.
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