Gavi stripped of Barca shirt number with Man Utd, Liverpool on high alert

Stuart Telford

• 30 Mar 2023 19:57 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have been unable to register Gavi as a senior player after a Spanish court blocked his registration, and now Manchester United or Liverpool could sign the Golden Boy on a free transfer this summer.

Gavi's name has reappeared on La Liga's official website having been removed recently, but he is there as a youth player, and still wearing the No.30 jersey that he has sported until now.

The relevance of the jersey number is thus: Barca had given Gavi a new contract in September which included a €1 billion release clause and the right to inherit the No.6 jersey previously worn by his manager at Camp Nou, Xavi.

READ: The two Barcelona stars who could become the best in the world

But a Spanish court refused to sanction Gavi's change in status amid Barca's ongoing financial dire straits, meaning he has reverted to his previous contract, June 2023 expiry date and all.

Tebas: 'We all want Gavi to stay'

"I like Gavi," said La Liga president Javier Tebas recently. "We all want him to stay at Barca. But he has a salary that cannot be registered as of now, as Barca exceeds the salary limit."

It seems no exceptions will be made, and England's two most successful clubs are ready to pounce.

READ: Barcelona wages: How much does each player earn?

Gavi looks to be generational talent, once who has already drawn comparisons with Xavi and his former Barca midfield partner Andres Iniesta despite his tender 18 years.

Acquiring a player valued at €102.3 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm on a Bosman would represent a significant scoop for United or Liverpool, even if they would be forced to pay a nominal fee given the player's age.

Losing both the player and his value would be a bitter blow for Barca. The club have been told to reduce their debt by €200m this summer if they are to take part in next season's La Liga, which they lead, 12 points clear of Real Madrid, this term.