If you were a football club would you even think of selling quite literally the best player for Free? The very obvious and only plausible answer should be NO. Yet, FC Barcelona are about to do it, again. They did it first back in 2021 when they were unable to hold onto their best ever, and arguably the GOAT of Football, Lionel Messi. Now after finding themselves unable to register newly bought players, Barcelona are on the verge of selling Ilkay Gündoğan, that too for absolutely no money.
There is no doubt that Ilkat Gündoğan was Barcelona’s best player last season. After winning the Treble with Man City the year before, the former German International decided to join Barcelona on a free transfer. This move made him a guaranteed starter in the Catalan Club being a very experienced campaigner.
Over the course of the 2023/24 season, Barcelona failed to win any trophies with Gündoğan filling in for many different roles for the club. Throughout the season, Gündoğan was asked by Xavi Hernandez to play in every midfield position as per the match requirements. Despite being asked to adapt perenially, Gündoğan managed to put up career-best stats for the Blaugrana.
Still, According to the Reports on the Internet, Ilkay Gündoğan is set to leave Barcelona and return to his previous club Manchester City where Pep Guardiola is very eager to have him back.
Barcelona selling Gündoğan is a HUGE Mistake, Here’s Why
Valid points are being raised about selling İlkay Gündoğan. It’s true he doesn’t seamlessly fit into Hansi Flick’s tactical setup. Yes, he’s ageing and carries a significant salary burden. But consider this: why would a club let go of its most consistent and arguably best performer from last season, just a year after his arrival?
This decision seems particularly ill-timed given the club’s current situation. The La Liga campaign opened with three 17-year-olds in the starting lineup, pushing the average age to just 24.8. This isn’t a sustainable balance. The need for seasoned leadership has never been more critical. Now, look at the alternatives in the midfield:
- Pedri: The 21-year-old prodigy has been plagued by injuries, missing 476 days since the 2021/22 season. His minutes need careful management to prevent further setbacks—Gündoğan is the ideal cover.
- Frenkie de Jong: Sidelined with no clear return date after an April injury, and Gündoğan is ready to step into his role.
- Gavi: Endured a devastating injury that may keep him from returning to full form until 2025.
Gündoğan isn’t just another player—he’s a proven winner, a leader with an elite mentality. In a squad filled with youthful promise, his experience is invaluable. Last season, while others struggled with injuries, Gündoğan remained ever-present, playing the most games (51) of anyone in Barcelona’s squad. His contributions were unmatched:
- Most assists: 14
- Most expected assists: 13.8
- Most key passes: 121 (Raphinha, the next closest, had 51)
Selling Gündoğan now, when the team arguably needs his presence more than ever, would be a mistake. He doesn’t need to start every match, but his versatility and world-class talent make him indispensable. Counting on youngsters like Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in every game is risky. Gündoğan’s departure would leave a void in quality, experience, and leadership that this squad simply can’t afford.
