Hansi Flick will speak to Barcelona veteran over future, exit would help with Fair Play

Ilkay Gundogan enjoyed a fine debut season with FC Barcelona after arriving from Manchester City on a free transfer last year.

The 33-year-old German international played 51 games in which he delivered five goals and 14 assists, shining in what was ultimately a disappointing season for the Blaugrana.

With Hansi Flick taking over the reins this summer, it was widely expected that Gundogan would have a critical role in the team given their shared history with the German national team.

But that does not appear to be guaranteed any longer.

Flick will speak with Gundogan about his future

Indeed, SPORT’s Toni Juanmarti reports that Hansi Flick will have a conversation with Ilkay Gundogan about his plans and his continuity at FC Barcelona in the coming days.

The German international is taking a break before joining the Barça squad at the end of July, when the team will travel to the USA for the pre-season tour. It will be then, or even earlier via telephone, when Flick will speak to Gundogan to find out his intentions.

It is no secret that Barcelona need Fair Play to recruit the players they want to. The club is working to achieve the 1:1 rule.

But, even if they achieve it, it would be essential to sell players to bring in new players. And that is where the case of Gündogan comes in.

Flick will speak to Gundogan. (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

Why are Barcelona considering the option?

Barça’s uncomfortable situation, in terms of fair play and the balance of the squad, leads the club to think that a hypothetical departure of Gundogan would reduce quality but would solve several ‘problems’ in one fell swoop.

Both Flick and the Barça sporting department believe the midfield lacks intensity – intensity in the pressure after the ball is lost, the ability to run backwards and, in general, more dynamism in the game.

The former Manchester City man is probably the one who lacks these characteristics the most and seems best suited to operate as the No. 10, a role that is reserved for Pedri, who is 12 years younger than Gundogan.

Another conditioning factor is financial. Ilkay has one of the highest salaries in the squad and saving it means being able to consider more than one signing.

What does Gundogan want?

Faced with this scenario, Flick will talk to Gündogan to tell him the truth. Although no one disputes his status and his performance last season, the fact is that Ilkay will not be a key player next season.

The veteran midfielder is currently only thinking about staying at the club. Although at various points last season he was disappointed with certain situations and was open to the possibility of moving on, Ilkay would like to fulfil his contract with the Catalan club.