Ambitious Liverpool move for Gavi set to collapse after Barcelona chief’s comments
Liverpool look set to be disappointed in their ambitious pursuit of Barcelona’s Gavi with Joan Laporta indicating the wonderkid is close to agreeing a new contract in Catalonia.
The talented 17-year-old is out of contract next summer and Liverpool are one of he club’s ready to pounce. Gavi played an amazing 47 games for Barca in his breakthrough season and he is one of the most exciting prospects in European football.
Barcelona have offered him an extension, which his representatives turned down. That prompted Jurgen Klopp into action with Liverpool more than willing to activate his €50million release clause.
According to La Porteria, earlier this week Klopp is keen to push through a deal for the Spain starlet.
But despite the report stating that Liverpool have put an offer on the table, it looks as though Gavi will stay put.
It’s been reported that the player’s intention is to stay with Barca, but the new terms had not been acceptable.
Now Barca president Joan Laporta has told Relevo, via Fabrizio Romano: “We are very close to reaching an agreement with Gavi to extend his contract.
“We are optimistic about the renewal of Gavi. We want him to continue at Barca.”
Gavi to follow Araujo’s lead
Barcelona’s first offer was to increase his €1m per season salary to €2m, as per Porteria. Gavi though is chasing a deal worth €4m a year in his first year, with €1m increments in years two and three.
Liverpool though told his representatives that they would put forward a starting salary of €9m (£7.6m) per season. That is the equivalent of around £146,000 a week.
According to Sport, Barca made a fresh offer on Wednesday. That offer will match that of Ronald Araujo’s new deal.
Araujo, who was also linked with a move to England, recently extended his time at the club, penning a new deal until 2026.
The 23-year-old had been on the same terms at Barca since 2018. He first joined the club’s B team from Boston River on a contract worth an initial €2m.
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