Barcelona risk losing Gavi and two other young stars
Cameron Smith
- 22 Feb 2022 21:18 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona have been building towards the future with Xavi Hernandez as head coach, but those plans could be put into jeopardy as three of their brightest stars could be on their way out.
Central defender Ronald Araujo, and midfielders Gavi and Nico Gonzalez all came through La Masia, but with their contracts expiring, they could leave the club.
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Araujo and Gavi, in particular, have received plenty of interest from European clubs, with Chelsea reported to be keen on both players several times during the January transfer window.
According to Mundo Deportivo, those three players mentioned are top of the priority list in regards to renewed contracts, but progress reportedly hasn't been made.
Why might they leave?
Both Araujo and Gavi see their contracts at the Camp Nou expire in 2023, while Gonzalez has an extra year left remaining on his current deal. However, the club won't want to run the risk of losing the former two leave for free next summer given their talent, and the financial situation at the club.
Reports do suggest that all three players are keen on remaining at the club, and are invested in the project that Xavi is building at the club, but Barcelona are living dangerously in regards to their futures at the club.
Barcelona will need to sell themselves to the youngsters with several offers from England expected to come, all of which will bring large financial benefits.
For example, Manchester United are said to be interested in Araujo, and would be able to offer him a far greater wage than the Blaugrana will.
Money does appear to be the reason for halted talks between the players' representatives and the club, and given the situation at Barcelona, it isn't much of a surprise.
Araujo seems to be the most likely to leave, although Mundo Deportivo have reported he remains set on staying at the club for the time being.
Given the vast amount of games on Barcelona's fixture list, contract negotiations are reportedly not on the immediate schedule for the club.
