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Report: Gundogan "willing to wait" for Barcelona's transfer ban to end, wants to stay at Dortmund

Sascha Steinbach/Getty Images

The Ilkay Gundogan situation just took a very surprising turn, and it might be for the best for Barcelona.

Sources with knowledge of the situation told Barça Blaugranes that the German midfielder was very pleased when he knew about the start of negotiations between Barça and Borussia Dortmund, which we also reported last week. The talks have reportedly advanced very quickly, and sporting director Ariedo Braida could use the trip to Germany to face Bayern Munich next week to visit with Dortmund's officials and work out more details on the deal.

Gundogan was keen on leaving Borussia this summer, one year before the end of his current contract with the club. But the interest from his favorite destination, the Blaugrana, has caused the 24-year-old to re-think his decision. As of right now, the only way Dortmund would get money from a transfer would be if the player left now or in January. If he walks out at the end of his agreement, then there's no profit for BVB.

Here's where it gets good for everyone. If Ilkay decides to stick around one more season, Barça will be free from the transfer ban in... JANUARY! The Blaugrana would then use their freedom to sign to pay Dortmund a good fee and finally ink a deal with the guy every Barça fan wants to see at Camp Nou. While we can't confirm an exact amount, Ilkay's market value is set around €45-€55 million, which would be a bargain.

The latest reports claim that Gundogan is indeed thinking about playing with Die Borussien for six more months, which sources have also confirmed as true to BB. If things really go according to plan, it is very likely that Gundogan will be a Blaugrana in January 2016.

So there you go.

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