Marc Guiu leads the line for Sunderland. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

'The truth is'- Marc Guiu reveals why he had to leave Barcelona

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 6:45 AM ET

Marc Guiu believes he could have played more at Barcelona as he opened up on leaving his boyhood club for Chelsea.

Guiu joined the Blues last summer after they activated the €6m release clause in his contract, but his first year at Stamford Bridge was difficult.

The 19-year-old made just three Premier League appearances, although he fared better in the Conference League with six goals in seven games, including a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers.

Marc Guiu opens up on leaving Barcelona

Guiu was certainly a surprise signing last summer and he made his Barcelona debut at just 17, with his first goal coming 33 seconds after entering the pitch.

The Spain under-21 international scored twice in seven appearances under Xavi in the 2023-2024 season, and it seemed he would establish himself in the first team picture with the La Liga giants.

However, when Hansi Flick succeeded Xavi, Guiu admitted things changed, and he revealed why he had to leave the club.

“Honestly, I feel like I could’ve played a little more,” he told Sport.

“But you could see the club had other projects. [Robert] Lewandowski was there and they’d just signed Vitor Roque. It was clear I had no place there.

“The only time I spoke with Hansi Flick, I remember was during a play-off and he told me to do well.

“The truth is that I would’ve liked the manager to call me, but it wasn’t the case. In the end I understood the situation wasn’t good for me and I decided to leave.”

Opportunities few and far between at Chelsea?

Guiu has made 17 appearances for the Blues in total, and is now back with the squad having been recalled from his loan at Sunderland due to an injury to Liam Delap.

The youngster has had to patient and only played his first minutes this season in the win against Liverpool last weekend.

Guiu has been linked with a January return to Sunderland, but it’s hard to see his long term future at the club given the Blues have Emanuel Emegha joining from Strasbourg next summer.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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