I think not going to Saudi Arabia is normal for some players, not everyone will want that, not everyone wants to be in some nations. Like some do not prefer France, some do not want to go to Spain, some do not want Italy, and of course by the same logic some do not want to be in SA as well, it could be political or not, the reason doesn't matter, not everyone will want to go to a single nation, some will decide not to.
Plus Barcelona is a historically great team, we all know it and we all grew up watching how great they were as well, so when an offer is made from them, you do listen to them. We knew Barcelona wouldn't be remotely close to getting Haaland, financially impossible, but Haaland still went and listened to them because you don't directly say no to Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan's decision to join Barcelona can be considered a wise decision because he still hopes to appear in Europe with a big team. Barcelona is a good team in the history of football, so joining Barcelona must be something good in a few seasons before approaching retirement.
Ilkay Gundogan can be expected to be able to provide a balance for Barcelona's midfield players next season. Barcelona no longer have senior players in midfield after Busquets stopped renewing his contract, so Ilkay's arrival at Barcelona is one to look forward as the best alternative for the balance of the game.