Barcelona are accelerating their plans to sell existing players in the squad to make room on the wage bill. While they are still struggling to move deadwood like Clement Lenglet, Ilkay Gundogan’s exit looks imminent.
The German midfield star is considered surplus to requirements considering the number of midfield options Barcelona have at their disposal. They need to make salary space to ensure they register Olmo in the La Liga squad.
The 33-year-old was one of Barcelona’s best players last season for Xavi Hernandez’s team. He was ever-present and played almost every single minute in the campaign amidst a myriad of injuries at the club.
Now, it looks like Barcelona have decided to offer him as the sacrificial lamb to make space in their roster. As per reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, talks between Gundogan’s camp and Manchester City have been progressing well with all parties optimistic.
Pep Guardiola has already given his yes to Gundogan returning to the Etihad and the final greenlight is up to the player himself. He is expected to make a decision on his future in the coming days.
It is true that Barcelona have an overbooking of options in central midfield and attacking midfield. Sporting-wise, they could manage without the German in the squad but his experience and leadership cannot be replaced.
Gundogan has given everything he had in his one season at the club. The 33-year-old was the epitome of consistency and there is no doubt that he would give his everything again if he was to stay at the club.
The next few days could be crucial in this particular transfer saga. Let’s see how Gundogan’s future pans out from here on.
