Why Ilkay Gundogan Could Depart Barcelona Before La Liga Resumes New Season

• Ilkay Gundogan recently completed his transfer from Manchester City
• The German midfielder joined the La Liga champions on a free transfer
• Gundogan reportedly has a major clause in his deal with the Catalans

Ilkay Gundogan joined La Liga champions, Barcelona, on a free transfer after capturing a European treble in his final year at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Manchester City captain has also secured a reported £7.7 million insurance policy should Barcelona’s financial troubles stop him from playing this season.

In an end-of-season performance for the ages, the German midfielder was critical to ensuring his seven-year stint at the club ended in ultimate glory with a first UEFA Champions League win.

According to reports by Marca, despite Pep Guardiola and his players pleading for Gundogan to stay, he instead opted to move to Barcelona, with the team fresh off winning La Liga and looking to shine once again in Europe.

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Regardless of the Catalans’ financial struggles, which has seen them clash with the Spanish league body numerous times over the registration of players within their spending cap, Gundogan appears excited.

The same rules by La Liga saw Lionel Messi depart the club in 2021 when his contract renewal was unable to be processed, and Barca also struggled last summer to get a number of signings registered.

Gundogan’s Barcelona contract clause

Jules Kounde was unable to join the squad until after the start of the 2022/23 campaign, with president, Joan Laporta, having to sell off assets to free room for new signings.

Gundogan will not take a risk and has a special clause inserted in his contract that could see him depart Barcelona if the club is not able to register him due to any financial problems.

The former Man City skipper was reportedly assured this would not happen, per The Athletic, as well as being promised his first year in wages should his registration be impeded.

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The Catalans are currently over La Liga’s spending cap limit ahead of the new season on August 12, but are believed to be confident enough about freeing up space for the midfield veteran.

Star upset with Gundogan signing?

Sports Brief also reported on claims that Barcelona midfielder, Gavi is upset at Gundogan's signing, believing his place in the Catalans' starting eleven is under threat.

The former Manchester City captain, fresh off a treble-winning season in England which included the Champions League title, joined La Blaugrana on a two-year deal.