Recently we have seen Barcelona be one of the worst-run clubs in the world, with constant failed transfers and financial errors, it is no wonder that the fans are starting to get fed up with the way they are being run.
His Stint At Barcelona
When Gundogan signed for Barcelona in 2023, his registration process was an issue for the club with them not having the money to do so. After eventually being able to register him, their season was an unsuccessful one as league rivals Real Madrid ran away with the title and also won the Champions League.
During the season Gundogan was vocal about the issues with the club and there was rumored to be some anger between him and several players when he called out the mentality of the club after their loss to Real Madrid.
He not only did this but was their best player last season with him creating the most chances in the league and being the only player who seemed to care. His calling out the players was met with anger behind the scenes but love from the fans who thought his mentality was what the club needed.
Why Is He Leaving?
Although the fans loved him and he was their best player last season, not getting along with some of the players and the higher-ups would always result in disaster. When Olmo had his successful Euros campaign the Football bet odds had Barcelona as the favorites to sign him and the move started to catch fire.
When his pen was put to signature Barcelona had the same issue as the previous year and couldn’t register the Spaniard. The final situation meant that they needed to remove one player from the wage book and Gundogan filled that role.
The announcement of his leaving was met by anger from Barcelona fans and dreams from Manchester City fans who had felt that their winning team last year had a Gundogan-shaped hole in it.
The Deal
Barcelona were desperate to get Gundogan off the wage books so they could fully register their shiny new toy, Dani Olmo. Gundogan heard of the Man City rumors and instantly made returning to the team and formation he knew his priority.
Barcelona’s desperation made it so Gundogan could leave the club on a free transfer and they would not require a transfer fee at all; because Gundogan was desperate to return to the club he loves, Man City, he ended his contract early and didn’t ask for the remaining fees to be paid off.
This made the deal itself a lot easier and on Twitter (or X) the fan reaction was strong from both parties.
Man City fans were excited to see their treble-winning captain, and club legend, come back home.
While Barcelona fans were happy with Olmo but unhappy that the one player who seemed to care about the team was being forced out.
What Happens When He Officially Joins Man City?
The initial announcement of his return will cause a massive reaction from City fans and some rival fans alike who liked seeing him leave. When he is announced the videos that will come out from City will be massive and him coming out on the pitch before the game on Saturday is a likely thing.
The Number and Captaincy
A lot has changed since he last played for Manchester City and he has, unfortunately, lost his number and captain’s armband. He can’t get his number back as Mateo Kovacic has already registered with this number but I can see him taking back his captain’s armband with no complaints from the fans or the players.
His number situation is different and of the numbers available I think he will take number 21 for City as not only is it iconic because of Premier and City Legend, David Silva, who wore it for his entire duration at the club, but he also wore number 21 for Germany on the biggest stages.
