Barcelona believe there are enough alternatives for Gundogan’s role – four players on their list

Barcelona bid goodbye to one of their best players from last season earlier this summer as they let Ilkay Gundogan leave just a year after he arrived.

The 33-year-old returned to Manchester City on a free transfer as the Catalans were forced to part ways with him in order to free up some much-needed salary space so that they could register new signing Dani Olmo.

Considering that Gundogan was an ever-present in the starting lineup under Xavi Hernandez last season and performed exceptionally well, concerns arose when the club decided to part ways with him this summer.

In fact, former Ballon d’Or winner and Barcelona legend Rivaldo insisted that the Blaugrana would miss the former German international this season.

Barcelona not worried

However, despite offloading Ilkay Gundogan, Barcelona are not worried about missing the midfielder’s services.

This information comes from journalist Adrian Sanchez who has exclusively told Barça Universal that the Catalan giants believe they have more than enough alternatives in the squad to make sure that the veteran’s absence is not felt.

Olmo and Pedri – Barcelona’s present and future. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

With Barcelona moving to a 4-2-3-1 formation under Hansi Flick this season, Gundogan would most likely have been asked to slot in as a No. 10 and occasionally operate in the double pivot.

But the Blaugrana believe that they have all their bases covered thanks to the presence of midfield maestro Pedri, new signing Dani Olmo, returning loanee Pablo Torre, and Golden Boy Gavi once he returns from injury in a couple of months, as per the journalist.

Pedri has already shown his class in the first two matches of the season while Torre made a big impression during pre-season.

Olmo, now that he has been registered and can play, has everything to be an asset for Barcelona while Gavi is a top player who will make a difference when he is back.

With the…

Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-believe-there-are-enough-alternatives-for-gundogans-role-four-players-on-their-list/

Author : Michel Durant

Publish date : 2024-08-27 17:57:19

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