Ilkay Gundogan confirms 'financial reasons' have contributed to Barcelona exit

The 33-year-old decided against signing a contract renewal with Man City last summer in order to join Barcelona on a free transfer, and he made 51 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring five goals and registering 14 assists in the process.

Gundogan had been set for another campaign at Barcelona, but he was left out of the squad for the team's 2024-25 La Liga opener against Valencia last weekend.

The midfielder has now confirmed that he is leaving Hansi Flick's side and said 'financial reasons' have played a part in his departure, with Barcelona needing to remove salaries from their budget in order to register new signings.

"Dear culers, after just one year it's already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it. I have given everything to fight for the team and the club the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my teammates in the new campaign," he wrote on social media.

"Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad.

"Nevertheless, it's been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs - I always wanted to play at Barca, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world's best. Visca el Barca!"

Gundogan's contract with Man City is due to run until June 2025, but there is an option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.