Barcelona transfer in doubt over wage demands

Tom Weber

• 19 Apr 2023 15:34 BST
• 3 min read

Ilkay Gundogan's move to Barcelona is in danger of falling through due to the player's wage demands, according to reports.

The German is out of contract at Manchester City this summer and despite his importance to Pep Guardiola's side, no new deal has been signed. Indeed, the player is reportedly keen on a change of scenery for what will likely be the final big contract of his career.

Among the teams vying for his signature are Barcelona, whose interest in the 32-year-old has been well-publicised. There is, however, the small matter of Barcelona's financial problems that needs to be sorted first. As a matter of fact, the Blaugrana will have to carry out drastic budget cuts in the summer in order to comply with LaLiga's Financial Fair Play regulations and to be able to afford Lionel Messi's return.

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Among those cuts are reportedly substantial wage reductions for all of Barcelona's players, and this could prove to be a problem in their bid to sign Ilkay Gundogan.

Sizeable demands

According to Mundo Deportivo, Gundogan is a priority target for Barcelona and the player also wants to sign for the Catalan giants, but his wage demands are putting a potential transfer in doubt.

If the Spanish outlet is to be believed, the German is asking for €10 million per season, which would have been affordable during Barcelona's heyday but is unrealistic at a time when the club needs to reduce their wage bill by some €200m.

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The report also states that Joan Laporta and company will only sign off on a deal if the Man City star lowers his demands by €4m as the current 'flat rate' for wages lies at €6m. Despite Barcelona's interest and the alleged resignation to the fact that he will depart, Manchester City are still trying to get Gundogan to extend.

If he doesn't lower his wage demands, a stay at the Etihad is more likely than a move to the Camp Nou.