Following a remarkable season at the Etihad Stadium, Ilkay Gundogan completed a free transfer to Barcelona, the reigning champions of La Liga.
The former Manchester City captain, who played a crucial role in the team’s European treble, has reportedly secured an insurance policy worth £7.7 million in the event that Barcelona’s financial difficulties prevent him from participating during the upcoming season.
Gundogan’s exceptional performances in the final stages of the season were instrumental in securing Manchester City’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title, marking a triumphant end to his seven-year tenure at the club.
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.
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.
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.
Gundogan’s message to Man City
Sports Brief also reported on Gundogan’s passionate message to Man City and the fans after the former captain completed a blockbuster switch to Barcelona.
He was Guardiola’s first signing at City in 2016 and captained the club to their first-ever Champions League trophy en route to completing their historic treble.