Barcelona ‘could be forced to sell’ key player just a year after joining the club – as Catalan giants continue to battle to meet FFP regulations

Barcelona could reportedly be forced to sell a key player just one year after he joined the club as their financial woes continue. 

The Catalan side endured a difficult 2023-24 season having been pipped to the LaLiga title by Real Madrid, while they were knocked out by PSG in the Champions League quarter-final stage. 

Xavi was also sacked after he publicly criticised Barcelona’s financial position, something which infuriated president Joan Laporta. 

Hansi Flick has since taken over at the Nou Camp but his team could be weakened ahead of the new season. 

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Barcelona are open to selling Ilkay Gundogan this summer to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

Barcelona could reportedly be forced to sell a key player one year after he joined the club

The Catalan side are open to selling Ilkay Gundogan despite his impressive debut season 

The German midfielder only joined the club last summer on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City. 

The report states that Gundogan is highly-rated within the club but that not a lot of players within the squad are unsellable. 

Gundogan has not stated his desire to leave Barcelona despite receiving several ‘interesting’ proposals elsewhere. 

The 33-year-old has a year remaining on his contract but has the option to extend it by a further 12 months. 

He impressed on his debut season in Spain, scoring five goals and providing 14 assists in 51 matches across all competitions. 

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick will be reluctant to lose Gundogan, but the club face FFP restrictions

Gundogan is currently away with Germany at Euro 2024 with Julian Nagelsmann’s men through to the last-16 after topping their group. 

Gundogan scored one and assisted another in Germany’s 2-0 win over Hungry.