Even now, the future of several players at FC Barcelona remains uncertain during the summer. Despite being at a very late stage of the transfer window, some of Barça’s players continue to have an uncertain future. Unfortunately, most of these problems seem to stem from bad planning on the part of Barcelona.
The Catalan giants would have hoped to have their full squad prepared and ready to deploy by now, but it seems that they have some objectives still to process and achieve. For this to happen, however, it is also clear that certain sales must take place at FC Barcelona.
Yet, despite this certainty, there are some names that were simply never expected to be linked to a departure this summer. One such name is that of 33-year-old German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who has been linked to a move away from Barça and potentially even back to a former club of his.
However, according to SPORT, there are several different reasons that have led to the player making a decision to actively ask for his own departure from the club. Some of these reasons have to do with the signings that the club is making, while others are more internal and consider Barça’s financial situation.
The signing of Dani Olmo, primarily, is one that did not sit too well with the former Manchester City man it seems. Olmo mainly thrives as an attacking midfielder and that is the same role that Gundogan likes to play in as well. Moreover, given how versatile the Spaniard is, that further reduces Gundogan’s impact on the team. Others like Fermin Lopez are also waiting to explode whenever they are given any chance in that role as well.
Even if he was to be used as a defensive midfielder, there are names such as Frenkie de Jong, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and perhaps even Pedri and Gavi who could challenge him for those spots. With so much talent in the midfield, it becomes no secret that playing time for the German veteran could be compromised.
However, even his salary is something that the midfielder believes could help Barça out. Currently one of the highest earners at the club, he is no longer at an age where he can consistently provide his services for the years to come, and his time at the top is already temporary by the looks of it. As a result of goodwill and his wish to help the club alleviate some of its financial burden, Gundogan believes his departure would be looked upon positively.
Barcelona, on the other hand, would not be a hurdle in the way of the player’s wishes. Both parties want a common ground to agree upon and find a settlement with. Even Hansi Flick, despite saying that he believes the player will stay, will respect the player’s decision no matter what it is.
As it stands, SPORT reports that his origins may lead to a move to Germany or even Turkey. Moreover, there still remains the option of Manchester City if the English club is willing to take the player back and Barça can find an agreement with the Citizens. There also exists the possibility of the player leaving on a free this summer if the Catalan giants are not opposed to it.
