Recent developments have revealed that Ilkay Gündogan is close to leaving Barcelona. This potential departure has significant financial implications for the club.
As Mundo Deportivo reports, Gündogan’s annual salary is a whopping €20 million and his departure would free up €14 million in the club’s fair play budget.
This financial relief could be crucial for Barcelona as the country continues to navigate its ongoing economic challenges. Gündogan’s role at Barcelona is particularly notable due to his status under La Liga rules.
The German international is classified as a “franchise player”, a designation given to players who earn more than 5% of the club’s total salary costs.
Gündogan is no longer important for Barcelona
Gündogan is aware that he is neither an untouchable player at FC Barcelona, nor is he seen as a decisive player by Hansi Flick.
His role behind experienced striker Robert Lewandowski, in which he is supposed to exert a lot of pressure, does not seem to match the coach’s vision.
Furthermore, the potential financial benefits for Barcelona, especially in terms of financial fair play, make his departure an attractive option for the club.
In view of this situation, Gündogan asked Hansi Flick for clarity at a meeting last Thursday.
The German coach could not guarantee him a starting place in his tactical system, especially after the arrival of Dani Olmo, who fits well into Flick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation at Barça.
What financial impact
According to sources, his potential departure would allow Barcelona to reinvest 70% of their savings in new signings, which is especially important as the club is still working on complying with the 1:1 financial rule.
Now the decision is up to Gündogan. When last season ended, he had no intention of leaving Barcelona in the second year of his contract. Both he and his family have settled well in Catalonia and he has a good relationship with his teammates.
For Gündogan, the decisive moment will come when he presents an offer that could set everything in motion. So far, there have been rumors that he has been in contact with Manchester City.
Barcelona are now said to have made him an offer to play for Al-Nassr, although he cannot imagine playing there. Offers from Qatar could also be on the horizon.
