Ilkay Gundogan's exit makes financial sense – but Barcelona are now at risk

After a year at Barcelona, ​​​​Ilkay Gundogan left Catalonia and returned to Manchester City, facing serious problems in Hansi Flick's team ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

It was last year that Gundogan left City, the team he won 14 trophies with in just seven years, to join Barcelona under the management of Xavi Hernandez. The Catalans were the reigning La Liga champions, and were hoping to go back for the first time in almost a decade.

Financial problems, office drama, and poor performances on the pitch made Gundogan's first season in La Liga a far cry from the success he found in the Premier League. The 33-year-old looked ready to help his new manager challenge Real Madrid for the Spanish crown, but in a shock decision, he will return to Pep Guardiola's side on a free transfer.

Now, Barcelona must face a future without the midfielder as they begin their 2024/25 La Liga campaign.

Gundogan's departure leaves Hansi Flick without one of Barcelona's most consistent midfielders last season. The former German international played 51 games in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing 13 assists.

Losing depth will hurt Flick's team in the long run. Frenkie de Jong and Gavi are out due to injuries, while Pedri has also recently returned from a knee problem. Now, without Gundogan to strengthen the young, injury-prone youngster, Barcelona could be left in a bad spot as the tournament begins.

In the grand scheme of Barcelona's strongest squad, however, the midfielder won't leave an irreplaceable hole in Flick's XI. Of course, Gundogan's experience and consistency will be missed, but the new manager relies entirely on the young talent in his squad, led by Euro 2024 star Lamine Yamal.

In fact, 17-year-old Marc Bernal found his footing in midfield alongside 20-year-old Marc Casado against Valencia at the weekend, and both players contributed to Barcelona's 2-1 win to kick off the 2024/25 La Liga campaign. the season.

The abundance of young stars at Barcelona eventually reduced the value of Gundogan's position at the club, especially when his transfer freed up enough money to finally register blockbuster signing Dani Olmo for La Liga.

Despite the antics off the pitch, the future at Barcelona is very bright, and they have all the pieces needed to challenge Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid this season, even without Gundogan.

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