Gundogan was the outfield player who had the most playing time last season. That did not guarantee him anything, as a new project was starting, with a different playing system and with some signings that could leave him with less space. The midfielder, who was not signed by the current sporting management, already smelled something strange when he arrived at the preseason. He is one of those players who has seen it all and it began to become clear to him that the club wanted to get rid of him. And not for sporting reasons, but for financial reasons.
His departure was not imperative, but if certain sales did not come about, they would go for him to save one of the highest salaries in the squad. And so it has been. After only one year at the club, they practically invited him to leave, arguing that he was not going to be a starter this season. He could have dug in like some people in the dressing room, but Gundogan wants to keep enjoying this and winning and he has given a real lesson. He is leaving quietly. And not just anywhere: he is going to Manchester City, one of the two best teams in the world at the moment.
Gundogan has paid the price for poor planning. Nobody knows how this will end in the remainder of the summer, but on 21 August the homework has not been done and Barça has not wanted, has not known how or has not been able to sell what it needed. The club needs to free up wages in any way possible, especially to sign Dani Olmo, and given the inability to force players who are not interested to leave, the German has taken a step forward that will save Barça’s life. It was not what was desired, but now it has been obligatory.
There will be those who say that Gundogan did not make a difference last season, that he was inconsistent in the decisive matches of the season, that he did not hold his tongue at times and angered the dressing room, but no one can blame him for being a true professional and that, thanks to his performance, Barça was able to finish the season with dignity. Because without him, perhaps, things would have been worse. I’m sure he’ll be a bit calmer at City.
