Barcelona sent worrying Gavi message as Liverpool ready move

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 17 Mar 2023 11:46 GMT
• 3 min read

La Liga president Javier Tebas has doubled down in his assertion that Barcelona superstar Gavi cannot be registered as one of their players.

The midfielder has been linked to Liverpool and the side may be able to nab the youngster on a free transfer in the upcoming window, according to The Times. Now Tebas has stated that he will not be able to be signed to the first team owing to the debt that the Catalans owe.

He said: "As of September, Barca are in debt €200m. In these conditions, Gavi cannot be signed up with his new salary. I want him in the league but we have a responsibility."

READ MORE: 'We need quality!' Van Dijk demands Liverpool signings

“We have not let Barcelona sign players this winter and they will not be able to sign players next summer." His words came after a commercial court that ruled in favour of the club in January reversed that judgment.

Liverpool in for Gavi on a free

It is thought that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the 18-year-old - and the current situation could pave the way for them to make a move.

Barcelona previously put Gavi on a youth-team contract but he signed a fresh deal in September with a release clause of €1b attached.

But the hefty clause will become null and void if his deal with the club is not ratified by La Lig, who currently say Barcelona cannot register the player because of the league’s financial rules that rule that clubs cannot spend over a certain threshold against their earnings.

It means that if Gavi’s contract is cancelled then he will revert to a youth player and therefore be able to sign as a free agent this summer.

Manchester City are also believed to be eyeing a move for the teenager, along with Jude Bellingham. As we reported before, Liverpool are weighing up their midfield potions, including Bellingham, Mason Mount, and Matheus Nunes.