According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have decided to allow Ilkay Gundogan to leave on a free transfer, potentially leading him back to Manchester City. Pep Guardiola has given his approval for Gundogan’s return, and City are now working with the player’s agent to finalize the transfer swiftly.
Gundogan’s departure from Barcelona is influenced by his role under new head coach Hansi Flick. Flick’s high-intensity approach, focusing on pressing and attacking from advanced positions, has raised concerns about Gundogan’s fit in the team, especially with the recent signing of Dani Olmo, who is expected to be integral to Flick’s plans. Reports indicate that Gundogan and Flick discussed his future last Thursday, with the manager unable to promise him a regular starting spot.
Although Flick maintains that the decision is based on tactical considerations, Barcelona’s financial troubles may also be a factor. The club has been struggling with financial issues for some time, and Gundogan’s substantial salary of approximately €20 million per year (£17m/$22.16m) makes him a prime candidate for departure. His salary constitutes over five percent of Barcelona’s total wage bill, marking him as a ‘franchise player’ the club can’t afford under their current financial constraints.
By offloading Gundogan, Barcelona could free up around €14 million (£12m/$16m) in their fair play budget. This financial relief would enable the club to reinvest up to 70 percent of the savings into new acquisitions, which is crucial as they seek to integrate new players like Dani Olmo. For Manchester City, bringing back a proven leader and playmaker could be pivotal as they aim to secure their fifth consecutive Premier League title.
İlkay Gündoğan
This season he played in total 36 times for 2998 minutes for La Liga.
İlkay Gündoğan scored 5 goals for FC Barcelona. He procured 9 assists. He received 5 yellow cards and no red cards.
His team is currently 2nd in La Liga. In the last match FC Barcelona won 2-1 against Valencia. The next match in La Liga will be against Athletic Club.
FC Barcelona performance and stats
FC Barcelona is currently 1st in the La Liga with 3 points.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 2 goals and conceding 1.
FC Barcelona will play the next match in La Liga against Athletic Club on Saturday 24th of August in Barcelona. The prediction is FC Barcelona winning the match.
Manchester City performance and stats
Manchester City is currently 3rd in the Premier League with 3 points.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 2 goals and conceding 0.
Manchester City will play the next match in Premier League against Ipswich Town on Saturday 24th of August in Manchester. The prediction is Manchester City winning the match.