)
Ex-Blaugrana manager and club legend Ronald Koeman has criticised the club for signing former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan
Barcelona legend and former manager Ronald Koeman has criticised the club’s signing of former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan after the German midfielder became the club's first summer signing.
Gundogan move criticised by Barcelona legend
Gundogan joined the Blaugrana on a free transfer after his Manchester City contract expired in the summer, bringing a wealth of experience to Barcelona after a trophy-laden seven years at the Etihad Stadium that ended with the treble in 2023.
)
Despite the midfielder’s quality, Koeman has still been unimpressed with the signing, claiming the club signed Gundogan at the wrong time in his career.
Koeman, who played for Barcelona for six years between 1989 and 1995 and coached the club from 2020 to 2021, mentioned during his tenure as a manager that the club had too many old and young players, but not enough players at their peak, and he reiterated that belief using Gundogan’s signing as an example.
Koeman believes Gungogan was signed at the wrong time
The former defender, who currently works as manager of the Netherlands national team was quoted by Spanish news outlet Marca saying, “Gundogan is a great player, but he should have been signed earlier in his career.
“For a club that’s looking to the future… these are signings for the next two or three years.”
“He’s a great professional but it’s short term. You cannot sign two or three players at these ages every season, you have to work to the future. Signing a 22-year-old player is better than one of 33 or 34.”
Barcelona hopes that Gundogan, who turns 33 in October, can defy their former manager and improve the side with his experience after the Blaugrana lost two veteran figures in Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba this summer.
Related content
)
13:46 - 05.07.2023
Barcelona announce signing of Inigo Martinez on free transfer
LaLiga champions Barcelona have confirmed Inigo Martinez will join the club on a free transfer from Athletic Club.
)
09:01 - 04.07.2023
Explained: Why Barcelona will continue to pay Lionel Messi's wages until 2025
LaLiga giants Barcelona are still paying former captain and club legend, Lionel Messi and will continue to do so until the end of the 2025 season.
)
20:41 - 02.07.2023
Inter Miami president reveal ambition to sign ex-Barcelona stars
Inter Miami's co-owner Jorge Mas has spoken about signing former Barcelona star Luis Suarez and Jodi Alba to help improve the standard of the league.
)
18:50 - 05.07.2023
Shakira allowed Pique to cheat- source claims
Shakira reportedly had an open relationship with her ex-husband Gerard Pique before accusing him of infidelity.
)
17:56 - 02.07.2023
Barcelona president confirm talks to sign youngster from Fenerbahce
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that discussions are ongoing with Fenerbahce for the signing of their youngster Arda Guler.
)
15:34 - 02.07.2023
Manchester City considering move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong
Man City are reportedly making a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong as they look to bolster their midfield this summer.
)
21:10 - 01.07.2023
FOOTBALL Cesc Fabregas reveals next move after calling time on illustrious football career
The midfielder spent his final season as a professional footballer with second-tier Italian side Como.
)
17:45 - 01.07.2023
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Fabregas hangs boots at 36
Spanish midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, has become the latest superstar to call it quits from the game that gave him so much.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)