La Liga has refused to let FC Barcelona register Gavi‘s new contract according to various reports.
The 18-year-old agreed fresh terms with the Catalans, where he has played since 10 years of age, in September 2022.
The deal came with a €1bn ($1.09bn) release clause, and is set to expire in 2026 while Gavi enjoys increased protagonism in Xavi Hernandez’s first XI.
Almost a fortnight ago, he scored the opening goal and provided two assists as Barca won their first silverware under Xavi in the Spanish Super Cup final by beating bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1.
On Wednesday evening, he is set to start as a false left winger as the Blaugrana receive Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals in what is being tipped as a showdown between Spain’s two best in-form teams.
Ahead of kick off, SPORT claimed that it was only a matter of hours until Barca would hear whether Gavi’s new contract could be registered or not, with the midfielder also set to be given the iconic number ‘6’ shirt once donned by Xavi himself. Already, though, reports from Mundo Deportivo and RAC1 have revealed that La Liga has allegedly poured cold water on such plans.
In short, Barca will not be able to register the prodigy’s new deal, and Gavi must continue playing with the same conditions which he began the season with until June 30 while also continuing to wear the number ’30’ shirt.
Barca originally thought that the departures of Gerard Pique and Memphis Depay would be enough for them to pull off the operation, but Barca are still having Financial Fair Play problems as their salary limit has been greatly exceeded.
The club reportedly hasn’t generated enough savings for next season, and also isn’t currently complying with at least two articles of La Liga’s regulations on the matter.
Though embarrassing and perhaps frustrating to Gavi, Barca fans should not be put in panic by the news.
Put simply, Gavi will have to hold tight for another five months and focus on winning further trophies with Barca.
Time and again, he has demonstrated that these are the things that motivate him and not money, in a leaf taken out of midfield partner and close friend Pedri’s book.
At his current rate of progression, Gavi, when his contract has finally been registered, will be set to pen a bumper deal in 2026 or much sooner as Barca’s books should also be better balanced.
