Barcelona president Joan Laporta has denied Ilkay Gundogan left due to financial pressures and believes the club will return to a more stable footing in the coming months.

The 33-year-old's return to Manchester City just a year after leaving was reportedly due to ongoing high costs which were preventing Barca registering a number of new signings.

LaLiga's rules are based on the 1:1 principle, which means the amount clubs can spend on new players (including transfers, wages and agent fees) is equivalent to revenue generated.

Ilkay Gundogan returned to Manchester City after just one season at Barcelona (Peter Byrne/PA) But Laporta told a press conference that was not the reason for Gundogan's departure.

"The signing of Dani Olmo (meant) he was a player who performs a similar function to that of Gundo.

"I have heard that it is a financial decision, but no. It's a sporting decision, by Barca, by Gundogan and by City because he has been brought back.

"At the time Gundo came without a transfer fee and it was only fair that there was no transfer fee (for City).

"It has had an economic impact, but the reason has been a sporting decision."

Barcelona's overall debt had ballooned to one billion euros (PS842million) in 2021, which had serious consequences - most notably not being able to afford to re-sign Lionel Messi - but Laporta insists they are almost back on track.

"To get to the 1:1 rule we are 60million euros away. We have several ways to raise the money," he added.

"I am confident that in the next few months we can get to 1:1."