Barcelona make shock Ilkay Gundogan decision as midfielder edges closer to sensational Manchester City reunion with Pep Guardiola

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have decided to let Gundogan leave on a free transfer, a move that could see the Germany international retrace his steps back to the Etihad. Pep Guardiola has already approved his return and the Cityzens are now working on details of the deal with the player's agent to wrap up the transfer as quickly as possible.

A significant factor influencing Gundogan’s potential departure from Barcelona is his role under new head coach Hansi Flick. Since taking over the managerial reins, Flick has implemented a high-intensity playing style that emphasizes pressing and attacking from advanced positions. This tactical shift has led to questions about Gundogan’s suitability within the squad, particularly with the arrival of new signing Dani Olmo, who is expected to play a pivotal role in Flick’s system. Reports also suggest that Gundogan and Flick held discussions last Thursday, during which the manager could not guarantee the German star a regular starting spot.

Despite Flick’s insistence that the decision is purely tactical, the underlying financial constraints facing Barcelona may also have played a part in this development. The Catalan giants have been grappling with financial difficulties for several seasons, and the need to balance their books has become increasingly urgent. Gundogan’s hefty salary, estimated at around €20 million per year (£17m/$22.16m), has made him a prime candidate for departure. His wage accounts for over five per cent of Barcelona’s total salary expenditure, categorizing him as a 'franchise player'—a status that the club can ill afford given their current financial situation.

By offloading Gundogan, Barcelona could potentially free up around €14 million (£12m/$16m) in their fair play budget. This financial relief would allow the club to reinvest up to 70 per cent of these savings into acquiring new players, a crucial factor as they aim to register and integrate new signings like Dani Olmo. For City, the return of a proven leader and playmaker could be the key to continued success as they aim to lift their fifth successive Premier League title.