'Friendly' agreement: The details of Ílkay Gündogan's departure from FC Barcelona

The FC Barcelona board closed a 'friendly' agreement with Ílkay Gündogan that facilitated the former German international's return to Manchester City a year after his arrival in Catalonia. Although Barça did not receive any compensation for his departure, the operation was considered beneficial for both parts, especially for a Barça team in trouble with financial 'Fair Play'.

According to the latest information, the midfielder closed his departure from Barça in exchange for receiving a full three months' salary (around 4.5 million euros); amount corresponding to July, August and the first half of September. With this, the club avoided paying greater compensation for the remaining year of the German's contract, in accordance with the provisions of the contract signed last summer.

Barça took over Gündogan for two seasons, until June 2025 and with a net salary of 10 'kilos' per year. The midfielder had the option to renew for one more season, until June 2026, but finally left after a single season in which he played 51 official matches (5 goals and 14 assists). Like last summer, Ílkay left with a letter of freedom, returning to Manchester City with a one-year contract.

The reasons for Gündogan's 'friendly' departure from Barça

At first, it was speculated that his departure was strictly due to financial issues, but the truth is that the footballer did not put any major obstacles to the resolution of his contract, since he was not completely comfortable at the club. The 33-year-old had some friction with the squad due to his criticism of the team and the coaching staff. Although he was emerging as a key piece for Hansi Flick, he chose to return to Manchester, because unlike Pep Guardiola, his relationship with the current culé coach was not good in the German team either. Furthermore, his medium and long-term plans point to the benches and, at City, he would have a clear path to take the next step in his professional career.