Barcelona star set to make decision on future as Man Utd, Liverpool hope to complete big-money deal
Barcelona midfielder Gavi is close to making a decision on his future, according to a report, amid Manchester United and Liverpool pushing to sign him.
Gavi is proving himself to be one of the best young talents in world football, along with Barcelona team-mate Pedri. He has won over manager Xavi and has already made 52 appearances in the Blaugrana’s first team.
Gavi has featured in all four of their La Liga matches so far this season, three of which have resulted in wins. Plus, he is part of the Spain national team and will likely make their World Cup squad for the tournament in Qatar.
Barca rate Gavi very highly and believe he will be an important part of their long-term project. However, the Spanish giants are at risk of losing him.
The 18-year-old’s contract with Barca expires in June. This means interested clubs could sign him for a reduced price in January, or on a free transfer next summer.
Manchester United and Liverpool are the main clubs from the Premier League aiming to capture Gavi. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on the player’s situation.
All three major teams know Barca will have to let Gavi go on the cheap this winter, unless a new contract is agreed.
Barca have quickly got to work on a renewal, to try and prevent the Spaniard from ending up at one of their European rivals.
Gavi ‘on the verge’ of new Barca contract
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo provide an update on the talks. They state he has made a decision on his future and is ‘on the verge’ of penning a new Barca deal.
Gavi is just waiting for Barca to organise the contract signing. Then he will pledge his long-term future to the club.
His new terms will last until June 2026. And his release clause will rise from £86.8million (€100m) to £868m (€1bn).
This is the same release clause Barca have given Ansu Fati, Pedri and Ronald Araujo. They don’t actually stick to this fee when selling, but it prevents Barca’s top stars from leaving on the cheap.
Not only will Gavi be rewarded for his development with a pay rise, he will also get a new shirt number. He currently wears the number 30, but will now play as number six. This shirt was left vacant by Riqui Puig following his move to LA Galaxy.
Man Utd, Liverpool and Bayern will be disappointed Gavi has decided to renew his Barca terms. They would have loved the opportunity to give him a new challenge.
At the same time, it makes sense for the teenage starlet to remain in Catalonia. He is very fond of Barca after joining them as a youngster and coming through their academy.
Barca have also shown they are willing to give him plenty of senior opportunities, which has aided his development massively. Perhaps his game time may decrease if he went to Man Utd, Liverpool or Bayern.
The three potential suitors will probably maintain their interest in Gavi. Should he emerge on the transfer market in the next few years, then they will surely pounce.
