Ilkay Gündogan may unexpectedly become a key figure in the final days of FC Barcelona’s summer transfer window. According to reports from SPORT, the midfielder has requested to leave the club. For a player of Gündogan’s professionalism, such a decision is not made lightly and comes after careful consideration.
Currently, Gündogan is comfortably situated at Barcelona, with one year remaining on his contract and an option for an additional year. He is among the highest earners on the team, making his decision to possibly exit all the more surprising. However, his concerns stem primarily from his evolving role within the squad.
Gündogan joined Barcelona as a seasoned leader, having captained both Manchester City and the German national team. Despite his substantial influence in the football world, at 33, he has observed certain developments at Barcelona that have caused him unease.
One of the major catalysts for his contemplation is the signing of Dani Olmo. Olmo, who impressed as a midfielder in the last European Championship, was brought in with a significant investment of 45 million euros plus performance-based incentives. This acquisition could potentially reduce Gündogan’s playing time, a prospect that he finds unsettling.
Last season, Gündogan was a vital player for Barcelona, appearing in 51 matches and logging 4,180 minutes on the pitch. He also delivered strong performances, contributing 5 goals and 14 assists. Beyond the statistics, Gündogan was seen as a leader on the field, consistently making a significant impact in the attacking third.
However, the current season presents a different picture. Dani Olmo, who excels as a number 10—Gündogan’s preferred position—poses a challenge for the German international. While Olmo can adapt to various roles, his natural position is precisely where Gündogan has been most effective.
This playmaker role, previously filled by Raphinha in a match against Valencia, seems tailor-made for Olmo. Although Olmo has not yet been officially registered, Gündogan’s departure could provide the necessary salary space to finalize Olmo’s registration.
Additionally, Barcelona boasts other talents in the attacking midfield area. Pedri, for instance, is highly effective behind the striker, as is Fermin, who, despite resting after the Olympics, is expected to play a significant role upon his return. Looking further ahead, Gavi, who is recovering from a serious injury, is anticipated to return by the end of October.
While Gündogan could still contribute in a double pivot role, his playing style is increasingly dictated by defensive responsibilities, limiting his ability to showcase his best attributes. With Frenkie de Jong firmly established as the primary pivot when healthy, others like Casadó, Bernal, or even Pedri could step in as the secondary pivot.
Understanding the situation, Gündogan does not want to become a burden for Barcelona. The club, on its part, seems open to facilitating his departure, as it would help alleviate the financial strain on the wage bill.
These matters were discussed with German national team coach Hansi Flick, who showed empathy towards Gündogan’s situation. While Flick would not oppose Gündogan’s departure if it aligns with the player’s wishes, he had initially planned to rely on him fully.
If Gündogan does leave, he might be allowed to depart on a free transfer, opening the door for a move to a new team. Given his Turkish roots, a transfer to Galatasaray or Fenerbahce is a possibility, although lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia cannot be ruled out.
Regardless of the outcome, Gündogan is determined to leave Barcelona on good terms. His commitment to the team remains unwavering, as evidenced by his social media post celebrating Barcelona’s recent victory against Valencia. Should the negotiations extend or fall through, Gündogan is ready to contribute fully to the team, starting with their upcoming match against Athletic on the second day of the league, assuming he recovers from the injury he sustained against Monaco.
