Barcelona getting rid of Ilkay Gundogan is just another sign that Joan Laporta's lever-pulling hasn't worked
GOALThe forced departure of the German demonstrates that the Blaugrana are still plagued by financial issues – four years following Josep Maria Bartomeu’s stepping down.
Joan Laporta claimed in February of this year, "If we meet the budget, the darkest era in FC Barcelona's history will be over." Just over two months ago, he revealed that the "financial transition", from the edge of bankruptcy to economic stability, was "getting closer and closer".
Laporta referred to the chaotic situation left by his dishonored predecessor, Josep Maria Bartomeu, stating, “We appreciate the patience of the culers (Barca fans) as we strive to overturn the situation we encountered upon assuming the presidency in March 2021. The balance sheet this season is projected to be positive and we are hopeful that we will soon comply with the ‘1:1’ Liga regulation, which enables member clubs to invest in transfers equivalent to their revenue generation.”
As both an optimist and a realist, I speak from a place of knowledge. We’ve seen growth in our income and a reduction in expenses. Currently, we are on the verge of resolving last season’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues.
However, with just nine days left before the transfer window closes, many Barca fans are starting to question Laporta’s knowledge as the club is yet to register their star summer-signing Dani Olmo.
Consequently, Barca are once again scrambling around at the tail end of August, trying to either sell players or remove high-earners from the wage bill just to make ends meet. At the time of writing, Ilkay Gundogan – who only arrived in Catalunya last summer and was one of the Blaugrana's best players last season – is being pushed out the door, which only begs the question: Are Barcelona really making any progress under Laporta – or simply back to square one?
