Ilkay Gundogan could leave Barcelona for free on Sunday as shock clause emerges

Ilkay Gundogan could leave Barcelona this weekend after a shock clause in his contract was revealed.

The German midfielder joined the Catalan club on a free transfer after leaving Manchester City at the end of June, having turned down a contract extension with the treble winners to realise a long-held dream of joining the Spanish giants.

City had offered the midfielder a contract extension but Gundogan opted for a pay cut, to seal his move to Barcelona.

But ahead of the new La Liga season this weekend, Gundogan is yet to be registered as a Barca player.

According to SPORT and a number of other Spanish outlets, Gundogan’s contract has a significant clause that will allow him to leave the club for free if he is not registered in time for Barcelona’s first La Liga match of the 2023-24 season against Getafe.

To make matters worse, reports in Spain suggest Gundogan would still be paid for an entire year – a situation cash-strapped Barca would be keen to avoid.

The German’s short time at Barcelona has not been the smoothest after having picked up an injury on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

After making a second-half appearance in the defeat to Arsenal, Gundogan limped out of the 3-0 win over rivals Real Madrid in Texas.

It remains to be seen whether he plays any part in the Joan Gamper Cup against Tottenham on Tuesday

Bracelona have just 13 players registered as they begin their defence of the La Liga title this weekend.

Two of the 13 players are set to leave the club in the coming days with Ousmane Dembele expected to sign for Paris Saint-Germain and Franck Kessie subject of a bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.