Has FC Barcelona made a huge blunder by letting Ilkay Gundogan leave for free?

As it stood for a long time that Ilkay Gundogan would be continuing with FC Barcelona until his contract expires in 2025, his surprise move has come as a shockwave for the Culers. According to recent reports, Gündogan has said goodbye to all his Barcelona teammates this morning, and the clubs are completing all the documents for a move.

Has FC Barcelona made a huge blunder by letting Ilkay Gundogan leave for free?

Even though it is certain that FC Barcelona has been facing severe financial difficulties, making such a star veteran leave the club might prove fatal for FC Barcelona's 2024/25 campaign. Thus, the question arises: has FC Barcelona made a huge blunder by letting Ilkay Gundogan leave for free?

As sources suggest, Ilkay Gündogan's move is only being considered from an economic perspective, and the veteran's potential deal could free up a significant space for Olmo's registration. However, considering the overall scenario from a neutral perspective and the harsh truth being spoken, Barca wouldn't be still able to register Olmo alone from Gundogan's departure.

As per sources, the Blaugrana club will need to sell another player or sign a major deal like the Nike contract to aim for Olmo's registration. Moreover, considering Gundogan's memorable campaign from last season, being involved in the club's 19 goals, the midfielder was pivotal in an otherwise underwhelming Barcelona campaign.

Apart from the economic viewpoint, what may have escalated the midfielder's exit move is the fact of not being clear about his position in the starting XI. Even though it is an undisputed fact that Fermin Lopez, Pedri, and Gavi have been doing brilliantly for Barcelona's midfield setup, it is difficult for someone to fill in the shoes of the seasoned German veteran.

Being one of the most consistently brilliant performers at the European level, Gundogan has been a pillar of the midfield whichever club he has featured for. Having success records in clubs like Manchester City and FC Barcelona, Gundogan has been one of the greatest midfielders of modern football, and him being sidelined from the main setup sounds a bit harsh on the veteran's legacy.

Thus, all in all, whatever the reason be, be it economic view or the midfielder's bigger expectations from himself, Gundogan's departure would surely impact Barca's overall campaign and might prove fatal for the Blaugrana club in the future.