Hansi Flick planning to give Ilkay Gundogan lesser role at Barcelona – report

Despite leading Barcelona’s assist charts and being their most consistent midfielder all season, new coach Hansi Flick is already planning to give Ilkay Gundogan a secondary role next year.

Gundogan gave 14 assists, and led the Barcelona midfield, which suffered through absences for Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi throughout the year. However Sport say that Gundogan will not be key part of Flick’s Barcelona next season, and as a result, he will speak to him about his future. The report goes on to mention that his departure would help their salary limit struggles, especially with a view to going after top target this summer Nico Williams. If Gundogan is open to it, he will be allowed to leave this summer.

Barcelona are accelerating for Nico Williams, and believe they can complete his signing in the month of July. The winger is willing to lower his salary to make the move happen. It's likely that there will be movements in the next few hours. @sport

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 15, 2024

Should he remain, then he will be allowed to, but the lack of intensity in midfield has been identified as a weak point, and Gundogan is not believed to be aiding that. Thus far, it is believed that Gundogan wants to stay at the club.

If Gundogan does remain, it would be no surprise to see him fight his way back into the line-up. The veteran Germany international outperformed his competition by some distance with perhaps the exception of Gavi. He will not be back until October or November, and with five substitutes at his disposal, Flick would be able to take Gundogan off earlier if he sees he is faltering in the physical effort he wants.

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