La Liga – Forced out by Barcelona in a tense context, Ilkay Gündogan returned to Manchester City

Barcelona’s preparation for the season was uneven, culminating in a painful home defeat to AS Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy (0-3). This has raised concerns for FC Barcelona, which has already faced a winless start to the 2023/2024 season and the real but questionable beginnings of local legend Xavi’s tenure. The team faces failures on the pitch and turmoil off it. FC Barcelona is experiencing severe financial issues, a troubling legacy from the previous administration led by Josep Maria Bartomeu (2014-2020). The damage is extensive, and the arrival of Joan Laporta may not be sufficient to overcome a prolonged crisis.

In their opening match against Valencia (2-1), Barcelona fielded an unusual starting eleven, including many young players from La Masia, brought in to compensate for the numerous absences of key players. Among those absentees, Ilkay Gündogan (33 years old) stood out prominently in recent discussions. Was this due to a sporting issue? Not at all. This is part of the problem. The sporting aspect has been sidelined for years within Barcelona’s framework; only the economic aspect remains central in their strategy, often leading to confused, unclear, and ultimately short-sighted reasoning.

Olmo, the Compulsive Signing That Complicates Everything

The summer 2024 saga has highlighted further inconsistencies within the Catalan board. Dani Olmo, a long-time target of Barça who had played in the youth ranks, was pleasantly surprised to learn of his favorite club’s keen interest in him. After a successful Euro campaign showcasing his versatility and undeniable talent, Olmo certainly has many strengths. However, he joins a crowded position (leader, hybrid midfielder) already filled with many players (Gündogan, Pedri, De Jong, Gavi, and even Ferran and Rafinha).

Dani Olmo during his presentation with Barça. The Spaniard still cannot play, as he is not registered by the club.

A major issue is that the Spaniard (from Leipzig) is costly. Although the transfer fee of 55 million can be paid over time according to the length of the contract, the player’s salary—estimated at 11 million euros gross by some Spanish sources—must be paid immediately. Due to strict economic controls imposed by La Liga, Barcelona cannot exceed a certain payroll limit. Following a few promising months, the discovery of a large unpaid bill (40 million euros) regarding the purchase of shares in Barça’s audiovisual company, Barça Studio, has pushed the club into the red.

Gündogan, the Sacrificed Leader

Consequently, it is necessary to sell players or at least reduce payroll in order to register Dani Olmo (whose contract runs until 2030). This plan seems like a recurring issue, reminiscent of the difficulties faced with the arrivals of Jules Koundé or Robert Lewandowski in 2022. Management is looking to offload high salaries to create space. Will selling one player be enough to address the problem? Again, there is significant uncertainty. Various sources contradict and confuse the situation. Ultimately, the axe falls on Ilkay Gündogan. This decision is a sporting absurdity but a necessity within this financially precarious situation.

Ilkay Gundogan scores for Barça in the Clasico against Real Madrid, in La Liga.

The club’s top midfielder last season and leading passer (13 assists, his personal best across all competitions), the former German international (who just retired from international duty) displayed remarkable strength in the face of this unfair situation. He was set to remain, but he was ultimately forced to leave Catalonia just a year later. He signed for free with Manchester City, turning down his final year of a 15 million euro gross contract, proving he still has much to contribute at the highest level.

A Disheartening Refrain: Laporta and Broken Promises

As previously noted, the decision to “sacrifice” Gündogan had nothing to do with footballing reasons. Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, and Rafinha were also reportedly targeted by the management, but none agreed to follow Laporta’s direction, supported by Deco (the sporting director). Consequently, the club parted ways with a key player in a crucial role for a younger individual who does not guarantee the same performance. Meanwhile, pressing needs remain unaddressed, particularly on the left flank.

Joan Laporta during the presentation of the new FC Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick.

Initially anticipated, the signing of Nico Williams (from Athletic Club, which will face Hansi Flick’s side on Saturday at 7 p.m.) now appears to be another unfulfilled promise. This adds to Laporta’s woes as he was also willing to send promising young Brazilian Vitor Roque to Saudi Arabia. Although he has not departed yet, the striker is likely to remain in La Liga. Numerous transactions have yielded minimal progress. The returns of Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix on loan have not filled gaps; a reliable number 6 is still absent. Burdened by a high wage bill and unable to recruit, FC Barcelona is struggling and bogged down by its predicament. The situation is disheartening, and the difficulties do not seem close to resolution.

FC Barcelona’s Current Predicament: A Closer Look at the Challenges Ahead

FC Barcelona’s rocky trajectory in the 2023/2024 season has raised more than a few eyebrows. After a disappointing stinging defeat at home against AS Monaco (0-3) during the Joan Gamper Trophy, fans and pundits alike are left wondering about the future of the club. With a troubled legacy stemming from former president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s administration (2014-2020), the pathological problems facing the Catalan giants are both on the pitch and off it.

Economic Anemia and Its Impact on Performance

Under the leadership of president Joan Laporta, FC Barcelona seems caught in a vicious cycle of financial mismanagement and on-field underperformance. The club’s economic troubles, a direct result of past decisions, are characterized by ballooning debts and a strict payroll limit imposed by La Liga. With a significant unpaid bill (40 million euros) connected to the acquisition of shares in Barça Studios, the financial landscape is dire.

The debut match against Valencia (2-1) saw the club fielding an unorthodox lineup, drafting youngsters from La Masia to compensate for the absence of key players. This reliance on youth highlights the pressing need for significant changes while also placing unyielding pressure on the club’s scouts and development teams.

Olmo, the Compulsive Purchase Complicating Everything

The ongoing saga of Dani Olmo’s potential arrival further emphasizes the inconsistencies in Barcelona’s management. Despite being a long-time target and previously associated with the club when he was younger, his signing has raised eyebrows. With several established midfielders already in the squad, adding Olmo, who is expected to command a hefty transfer fee of 55 million euros, seems counterproductive.

Dani Olmo during his presentation with Barça. The Spaniard still cannot play, as he is not registered by the club.

Gündogan, the Sacrificed Boss

One of the most pressing issues for Barcelona is the need to free up payroll, particularly to register Dani Olmo. Ilkay Gündogan, a key player who had a remarkable season last year, finds himself caught in this financial crisis. Having been the club’s best midfielder and the top passer, it seems illogical from a sporting perspective to let such a talent leave.

Ilkay Gundogan scores for Barça in the Clasico against Real Madrid, in La Liga.

Despite being a critical part of the team, Gündogan is set to leave and sign for Manchester City, reportedly forfeiting a lucrative contract. This decision illuminates the broader trend in Barcelona’s current strategy: prioritizing financial survival over sporting success.

A Sad Refrain: Laporta and the Fallen Promises

Club president Joan Laporta’s recent decisions have led to disappointment among fans. The “sacrifice” of key players like Gündogan without clear sporting justification reflects poor planning and communication. Reports suggest that other top players were also approached for departures, demonstrating a desperate push to balance the books.

Additionally, the once-promising acquisition of Nico Williams appears to have backfired, further underscoring the struggles within the club. As transfer targets slip away and innovative strategies are not implemented, FC Barcelona finds itself grappling with an overarching sense of stagnation.

Joan Laporta, during the presentation of the new FC Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick.

Even the return of loaned players like Joao Cancelo and Joao Félix has not yielded tangible benefits. The glaring absence of a reliable number 6 in the midfield only adds to the club’s growing list of unmet needs.

The Dark Cloud Over FC Barcelona

As FC Barcelona grapples with its multi-faceted crises—be it financial, tactical, or administrative—the club’s once-glorious legacy is under serious threat. The desperate need to sell talent to register new players indicates a troubling trend that prioritizes financial restructuring over sports excellence.

In essence, Barcelona is at a crossroads, where the road ahead is uncertain and fraught with challenges. As fans continue to support their team, the hope remains that the management will redefine their approach, restore the club’s competitive spirit, and lead FC Barcelona back to its former glory.