Transfer Centre

Gavi 'not considering Barcelona exit amid contract dispute'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 25 April 2023

Chelsea-linked midfielder Gavi reportedly has no intention of leaving Barcelona, in spite of a contract dispute which could see him leave for free this summer.

Barcelona starlet Gavi has reportedly told Xavi that he has no plans to leave the club amid increasing uncertainty surrounding his contract situation.

The 18-year-old - the most recent winner of the Kopa Trophy - could potentially be available as a free agent this summer amid a bitter dispute between Barcelona and La Liga.

Back in September, Barcelona agreed a new long-term contract with Gavi until 2026, and the Blaugrana set his release clause at €1bn (£886m).

However, Gavi was still registered to the academy when he signed his renewal, and Barcelona had until the end of January to change his status to a first-team player, which they failed to do after failing to sufficiently trim their wage bill enough to comply with La Liga's salary cap.

Barcelona were given a reprieve when La Liga were hit with a temporary injunction, but they missed another deadline to change Gavi's academy status, rendering his new contract void and opening up the possibility that he could leave for nothing this summer.

Spain's Gavi celebrates scoring their fifth goal on November 23, 2022 © Reuters

After the La Liga table-toppers failed with an appeal in March, Chelsea have been tipped to take advantage of the saga and are believed to have held positive talks with the midfielder's entourage.

Despite being left dejected with the way his contract situation has been handled, Sport claims that Gavi is still 100% committed to Barcelona and has informed head coach Xavi of such.

The report adds that Xavi's concerns have been put to rest after a one-to-one conversation with Gavi, and he has no doubts that the Spain international will continue at Camp Nou.

Gavi supposedly explained to his manager that he feels very satisfied with his role in the squad, and he plans to represent Barcelona for many years to come.

Xavi recently claimed that Gavi "would not be happy" at a club other than Barcelona, although it is still up to Blaugrana chiefs to find a solution to his contract dispute with La Liga.

Barcelona's Gavi celebrates scoring a goal which is later disallowed on February 13, 2022 © Reuters

Barca are expected to sanction a firesale of unwanted players this summer in order to slash their wage bill, allowing Gavi's new contract to be registered and opening up the possibility of signing new players too.

Gavi learned his trade in the Real Betis youth academy before signing for Barcelona in 2015, and the midfielder has four goals and 12 assists to show from 89 first-team matches for the Catalan club.

This season, Gavi has come up with two goals and six assists in 42 outings, and he started every game for Spain at the 2022 World Cup, scoring once in their 7-0 rout of Costa Rica.

The teenager won his first trophy with the Blaugrana in the Supercopa de Espana back in January, while he has also started 24 La Liga games as Xavi's side sit 11 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Los Blancos can temporarily reduce the gap to eight points with victory over Girona on Tuesday, but Barcelona will have the chance to respond when they tackle Rayo Vallecano away from home on Wednesday evening.