Gundogan could leave for free if Barcelona fail to register him by August 12 – report

There is a lot of optimism and joy around FC Barcelona today as they have reportedly sealed the signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer. The 32-year-old will be signing a two-year contract with the La Liga champions with an option for a third season.

The Blaugrana had been working on the signing of the German midfielder for months. Director of football Mateu Alemany had held several meetings with Gundogan’s agent and uncle while manager Xavi Hernandez was in regular touch with the veteran star.

And the efforts have paid off with Gundogan now a Barcelona player, albeit unofficially. One of the major concerns for the 32-year-old was whether the Catalan giants would be able to register him given their problems with Financial Fair Play.

But, it has been suggested that the Blaugrana have reassured him of his registration and are optimistic about getting it done without any issues.

However, as per a report from Toni Juanmarti, by the terms of the contract agreed, Gundogan would be eligible to leave for free if Barcelona fail to register him before the first game of the 2023/24 La Liga season which will be played on August 12.

While the Catalans have been able to create some room on their wage bill with the departures of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, more departures are needed to generate further revenue and free up more salary mass.

In that regard, Barça have been trying to offload several out-of-favour players like Samuel Umtiti, Clement Lenglet, Alex Collado, and Sergino Dest who are returning from their respective loan spells.

Along with that, several established first-team players like Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Franck Kessie, and Eric Garcia have also been put up for sale.

All in all, Barcelona must find ways to ensure that Gundogan is registered before the first match of the upcoming La Liga season or there would be a possibility that he could leave for free.