Barcelona getting rid of Ilkay Gundogan is just another sign that Joan Laporta's lever-pulling hasn't worked
GOALThe enforced departure of the German proves that Blaugrana continues to grapple with financial issues, four years after the resignation of Josep Maria Bartomeu.
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".
Referring to the turmoil left behind by his scandal-ridden predecessor, Josep Maria Bartomeu, Laporta stated, “The culers (Barca fans) have shown patience and we are putting in effort to reverse the circumstances we found upon assuming the presidency (in March 2021). This season’s balance sheet will be in the black and I am hopeful that we will soon adhere to the ‘1:1’ Liga rule, which permits a member club to invest an amount equal to the revenue it generates in player transfers.”
As both an optimist and a realist who understands the situation well, I can affirm that we have made significant progress. Our income has increased while our expenses have decreased. Furthermore, we are on the brink of settling the Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues that arose last season.
However, doubts are surfacing among many Barca supporters about Laporta’s credibility. This is due to the club’s inability to register their star summer-signing, Dani Olmo, just nine days before the transfer window closes.
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?
