Joan Laporta confirms Gündogan’s departure was due to sporting reasons. Dani Olmo’s similar position led to Gündogan’s unclear role. Barcelona continues strategic adjustments under Laporta’s leadership.
- Gündogan’s departure was based on sporting reasons.
- Dani Olmo’s signing created an overlap in positions.
- Laporta praised Gündogan as an outstanding person and player.
Gündogan’s Departure and Laporta’s Statement
In a recent tweet by renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, FC Barcelona’s President, Joan Laporta, explained the departure of Ilkay Gündogan from the club. According to Laporta, the decision was based exclusively on sporting reasons. He mentioned that following the signing of Dani Olmo, who shares a very similar position with Gündogan, the German midfielder’s role at the club became unclear. Laporta emphasized that Gündogan is an outstanding person and player.
🔵🔴⚠️ Why Gündogan left Barça?
Laporta: “It has been a decision solely and exclusively for sporting reasons”.
“Following the signing of Dani Olmo the role of Gundogan was not clear, because they shared a very similar position”.
“He’s an excellent person and player”. https://t.co/mMHbwuH5PH
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 01, 2023
Career Highlights and Transfers
Ilkay Gündogan
Career Statistics:
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1990
- Place of Birth: Gelsenkirchen, Germany
- Height: 1.80 m
- Position: Central Midfield
- Former International: Germany
- Caps/Goals: 82/19
Youth Clubs:
- SV Heßler 06 (1993-1998)
- FC Schalke 04 (1998-1999)
- SV Heßler 06 (1999-2004)
- SSV Buer 07/28 (2004-2005)
- VfL Bochum (2005-2009)
Professional Career:
- VfL Bochum II: 2008-2009
- 1. FC Nürnberg: 2009-2011
- Borussia Dortmund: 2011-2016
- Manchester City: 2016-2023
- FC Barcelona: 2023-2024
- Manchester City: 2024-Present
Transfer History:
- From VfL Bochum to 1. FC Nürnberg: €850k (2009)
- From 1. FC Nürnberg to Borussia Dortmund: €4m (2011)
- From Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City: €27m (2016)
- From Manchester City to FC Barcelona: Free Transfer (2023)
- From FC Barcelona to Manchester City: Free Transfer (2024)
Notable Achievements:
- Multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City
- UEFA Champions League winner with Manchester City (2022-2023)
- La Liga title with FC Barcelona (2023-2024)
Dani Olmo
Career Statistics:
- Date of Birth: May 7, 1998
- Place of Birth: Terrassa, Spain
- Height: 1.79 m
- Position: Attacking Midfield
- Current Club: FC Barcelona
- Former International: Spain
- Caps/Goals: 30/6
Youth Clubs:
- RCD Espanyol (2006-2007)
- FC Barcelona (2007-2014)
- Dinamo Zagreb (2014-2015)
Professional Career:
- Dinamo Zagreb II: 2015-2017
- Dinamo Zagreb: 2015-2020
- RB Leipzig: 2020-2024
- FC Barcelona: 2024-Present
Transfer History:
- From Dinamo Zagreb to RB Leipzig: €22m (2020)
- From RB Leipzig to FC Barcelona: €50m (2024)
Notable Achievements:
- Croatian First Football League titles with Dinamo Zagreb
- DFB-Pokal winner with RB Leipzig
- La Liga title with FC Barcelona (2023-2024)
Joan Laporta’s Strategic Adjustments
Joan Laporta, currently in his second term as FC Barcelona’s president, continues to make strategic adjustments to balance the club’s financial stability and competitive success. His decisions, including key signings and departures, aim to maintain Barcelona’s status as a top European club.
Profile:
- Full Name: Joan Laporta Estruch
- Date of Birth: June 29, 1962
- Place of Birth: Barcelona, Spain
- Current Role: President of FC Barcelona
Career Highlights:
- First Term as President: 2003-2010
- Oversaw the signing of Ronaldinho, marking a successful era for the club.
- Appointed Pep Guardiola as head coach, leading to multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.
- Second Term as President: 2021-Present
- Focused on financial restructuring and bringing in key players like Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan.
- Won La Liga title in the 2023-2024 season.
Impact on Barcelona’s Squad
Gündogan’s departure and the arrival of Dani Olmo reflect the dynamic nature of FC Barcelona’s squad management. The club’s strategic moves, including recent transfer activities, are designed to strengthen the team while ensuring clarity in player roles.
For more insights into Barcelona’s transfer strategies, check out:
