Barcelona new signing Ilkay Gundogan could leave the club just weeks after arriving should he not be registered for the La Liga Champions’ opening clash against Getafe this weekend.
That is according to Forbes, who claim that there is a clause in the German’s contract that will let him walk away for nothing should he not be registered.
Gundogan arrived at the Camp Nou earlier this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Manchester City expired, turning down interest both from the Cityzens and Premier League runners up Arsenal.
He has hardly featured in pre-season though, coming on as a substitute in two instances and being forced off through injury in a third.
As per reports, he is also yet to be registered as an official Barcelona player for the upcoming La Liga campaign, where Xavi’s side will be looking to defend their crown from last season.
Barcelona, Spain. 17th July, 2023. Ilkay Gundogan during a Ilkay Gundogan presentation at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, in Barcelona, Spain on July 17, 2023. (Photo/Felipe Mondino) Credit: Independent Photo Agency/Alamy Live News 2RCXM34 Barcelona, Spain. 17th July, 2023. Ilkay Gundogan during a Ilkay Gundogan presentation at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, in Barcelona, Spain on July 17, 2023. (Photo/Felipe Mondino) Credit: Independent Photo Agency/Alamy Live News (Alamy Stock Photo)
In turn, Forbes claim that the German veteran ‘can leave the club for free on Sunday if he hasn’t been registered by then’ and that, worse yet for the Blaugrana ‘Gundogan would still be paid for a full year’ despite his departure.
The sale of Franck Kessie to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli will likely help ease some of the financial restrictions surrounding his registration, but there is still no certainty that Gundogan will be registered in time, with two other summer signings (Oriel Romeu and Inigo Martinez) both also needing to be registered.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele is also on the verge of departing in a deal that will net Barcelona a measly 25m euros, a massive loss on the 120m euros they shelled out for the Frenchman.