Ilkay Gundogan’s departure from FC Barcelona just a year after joining the Catalan giants was certainly a move that many did not foresee.
The German decided to put an early end to his spell in Catalonia after realising he was not a part of the club’s plans and the fact that his salary was becoming a burden for the Blaugrana.
A mutual agreement
Contrary to recent reports, FC Barcelona did not pay any additional compensation to Ilkay Gundogan before his departure to Manchester City this summer.
The midfielder’s exit was a mutual agreement between the club and the player, facilitated by his desire to return to his former team and Barcelona’s need to address financial constraints, reports Diario SPORT.
While there were rumors suggesting Barcelona paid Gundogan three months’ salary as part of the departure deal, the report refutes these claims.
The report adds that the club confirmed Gundogan received only the proportional parts of his salary for July and August, which were due to him as a Barcelona player during that period.
Why did Gundogan quit Barcelona?
Gundogan’s decision to leave Barcelona early was driven by several factors.
Firstly, he had a strong personal connection with Pep Guardiola and was eager to rejoin the Manchester City squad.
Secondly, his departure allowed Barcelona to save money on his salary for the upcoming season, providing some financial relief to the club.
All in all, Gundogan’s exit was a well-executed move that benefited both the player and Barcelona. By leaving on amicable terms, he avoided any legal disputes and ensured a smooth transition back to the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Barcelona were able to reduce their salary bill and make space to register new signing Dani Olmo, although the club ultimately had to rely on the injury of Andreas Christensen.
