By SABC Sport
9th August 2023
Gundogan, acquired on a free transfer from Manchester City, signed a two-year deal that grants him the option to terminate it if not registered in Barcelona's squad before the new La Liga season's start this weekend.
Financial constraints have prevented Barcelona from registering their recent signings, including Gundogan, Oriol Romeu, and Inigo Martinez. This also applies to new summer contracts and returning loaned players like Ez Abde and Fermin Lopez.
Manager Xavi has only 13 eligible players for the season opener against Getafe on August 13, with potential departures of Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie.
Projected sales of Dembele and Kessie to Paris Saint-Germain and Al Ahli could fetch about ¬65 million (£56 million). Talks are underway for a 16% sale of Barca Studios, further adding to funds.
Sources confirm Barcelona's confidence in finalising deals to register Gundogan and other signings before the season. Like Gavi's contract extension delay, Gundogan isn't causing trouble and isn't seeking an early exit.
Despite their predicament, the club believe in their financial capacity to register all signings, evident in ongoing talks for Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo.
Barcelona can register Gundogan and new signings up to the Getafe match, and officials are optimistic about timely completion.