Why did barcaleona get rid of gundogan
8/24/2024 10:50pm
Barcelona got rid of Ilkay Gundogan primarily for financial reasons, amid the club's pressing need to reduce its wage bill and align with La Liga's salary cap regulations. Here are the key points to consider:
1. **Financial Struggles**: Barcelona has been facing significant financial difficulties, as evidenced by their breach of La Liga's salary cap rules and the resulting complications in registering new signings like Dani Olmo.
2. **Gundogan's Salary**: Ilkay Gundogan is among Barcelona's highest earners, with a reported annual salary of €10m before tax. His departure helps reduce the wage bill, freeing up space to accommodate new signings and comply with financial regulations.
3. **Departure for Manchester City**: Despite Gundogan's successful season with Barcelona, where he scored five goals and provided 14 assists in all competitions, Manchester City's interest in bringing him back made his departure from Barcelona more feasible. Gundogan's return to City was seen as a way to manage Barcelona's financial situation while providing a solution for City's need for depth in their midfield.
4. **Impact on Barcelona**: Gundogan's departure leaves a void in Barcelona's midfield, both on and off the field. His experience and leadership will be difficult to replace, especially considering the club's financial constraints and the need to manage salaries effectively.
In conclusion, Barcelona's decision to let Gundogan leave for Manchester City on a free transfer is a result of their financial struggles and the need to reduce the wage bill. While it may have been a challenging decision from a footballing perspective, it was a necessary step for Barcelona to address their financial situation and align with league regulations.