Why Ilkay Gundogan is wrong for Barcelona

The imminent signing of former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona has sparked discussions among football pundits about whether he is the right fit for the Blaugrana’s midfield under the guidance of manager Xavi Hernandez.

Despite Gundogan’s impressive performances for City, doubts remain about his suitability for Barcelona’s diamond midfield formation.

During a crucial phase of the season when City’s formidable attacking force experienced a rare dry spell, Gundogan stepped up as a creative force in midfield.

In a pivotal four-game stretch, the German midfielder scored four goals and provided two assists, including a decisive brace against Everton that helped City maintain their lead in the Premier League title race, eventually clinching the trophy. Gundogan’s ability to score crucial goals became evident, showcasing his impact as a goalscorer.

Gundogan possesses various facets to his game, including his creative playmaking abilities, composure in distributing the ball, and his skills as a dribbler. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, the versatile midfielder flourished, transforming into an attacking midfielder capable of making a significant impact on the pitch.

However, with Gundogan’s time at the Etihad Stadium seemingly coming to an end, Barcelona’s pursuit of the player may not be the ideal move for the club.

While Gundogan’s qualities make him a desirable player for any team, regardless of his exact role, there are concerns regarding Barcelona’s financial situation.

The club is facing significant financial challenges, and before they can even consider signing new players, they must offload approximately €200 million in wages. Barcelona’s financial difficulties have led them to take several cost-cutting measures, including player sales, contract renegotiations, and even the closure of their in-house TV station.

In addition to the financial constraints, Barcelona needs to address specific areas of their squad. With Sergio Busquets announcing his departure, there is a void to fill at the base of Barcelona’s midfield. While Frenkie de Jong can potentially operate in that position, a more defensively imposing presence is required to strengthen the team’s defensive midfield role.

Unfortunately, this is not Gundogan’s area of expertise, as evidenced by Manchester City’s loss to Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final when Guardiola deployed Gundogan as a lone defensive midfielder, which ultimately proved costly.

Furthermore, Barcelona’s primary need lies in finding a playmaking midfielder who can provide the final, decisive pass in the attacking third. While Gundogan possesses certain creative abilities, he excels in serving as the intermediary, playing the diagonal balls and facilitating City’s attacking play.

Asking Gundogan to take on the role of the primary playmaker in Barcelona’s system would be a misjudgment, as it would replicate the role already fulfilled by Barcelona’s emerging star, Pedri.

Hence, having two players with a similar role while the most critical role in the squad is without a fix, spells a lot of problem.

As Barcelona navigates its financial challenges and seeks to reinforce various positions, including defensive midfield and right-back, their pursuit of Gundogan raises concerns about the club’s strategic planning.

While Gundogan is undoubtedly a talented player, the fit within Barcelona’s team structure and immediate needs remains questionable.

The Blaugrana must carefully evaluate their options and prioritize their signings to address key areas of the squad in the most effective manner.