Barcelona boss Xavi appears to have rubbished claims that llkay Gundogan could leave the club in favour of a Saudi Pro League transfer in January.

Gundogan only arrived in Spain in June following the expiration of his contract at Manchester City, whom he'd captained to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble in the final weeks of his seven-year spell with the club.

Speaking a few weeks after touching down in the Catalan city, Gundogan hinted it had been a long-term ambition of his to join Barca after admiring great previous Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola iterations of the famous team.

Ahead of the weekend's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga - a game Gundogan started on the bench before coming on for most of the second half - Xavi appeared confused when a potential exit for the 33-year-old was put to him.

"Really, they said that? Wow. Gundogan is looking for a house here in Barcelona," the boss said.

Things haven't been plain sailing for Barcelona in terms of their finances. Gundogan was only registered in the days leading up to the season starting, and his contract even included a termination clause in the event that the Catalan giants were unable to do so.

Things haven't been plain sailing for Barcelona in terms of their finances. Gundogan was only registered in the days leading up to the season starting, and his contract even included a termination clause in the event that the Catalan giants were unable to do so.

It was also reported in October that Barcelona were forced to apologise to Gundogan after he and his family allegedly felt 'abandoned' by the club in the wake of moving to Spain due to an apparent lack of off-field support in a new city and country – especially with a newborn. His wife later denied that.

Gundogan, who is of Turkish descent, has been linked with Galatasaray in recent weeks, which his agent refuted, while rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia have also been reported in the Gulf nation.

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This article was originally published on 90min as Xavi responds to Ilkay Gundogan Saudi Pro League transfer rumours.