Why Barcelona risk losing Man Utd and Liverpool-target Gavi

Karan Tejwani

30 May 2022 08:35 BST
3 min read

Barcelona enjoyed a more positive second half to the 2021-22 campaign as they climbed up from mid-table to finish second in La Liga under Xavi and secured Champions League qualification.

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One of the other bright points from last season was the integration of youngsters and academy graduates like Nico and Gavi, however, they may face competition from abroad in keeping the youngster for the future.

Gavi’s contract runs out in 2023 and Barcelona have been keen to extend for a while, having seen the 17-year-old become an important part of the team, as he made 46 appearances across all competitions this past season.

The midfielder also made his debut for the Spanish national team and has earned six caps so far, which has only increased his status amongst Europe’s top clubs.

There may be complications in extending his deal though, as Gavi’s agents are pushing for a significant wage increase in negotiations over a new deal.

Why is it difficult for Barcelona to extend his deal?

The player’s agents aren’t happy with the deals offered to rumoured new signings Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, and are using that as a reference point when talks over Gavi’s new contract.

Kessie is set to sign from Milan and Christensen is set to join from Chelsea – both on a free transfer as their deals with their respective clubs run out at the end of June.

Additionally, Barcelona have also been in talks to extend Sergi Roberto’s contract, preventing him from leaving the club this summer, and Gavi’s camp believe their client is worth more.

With talks still ongoing, other clubs are keeping an eye on the situation and may make a move this summer or next, including Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United.

This kid is magic 🪄 How is Gavi only 17?

What a way to score your first La Liga goal for Barcelona! pic.twitter.com/xFuYNsHq5F
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) December 18, 2021

Earlier in the season, it was said that Liverpool were lining up a move in the summer, with the club prepared to pay the player’s £42 million release clause to bring the Spaniard to Anfield.

Manchester United are also admirers of Gavi and would welcome the 17-year-old to Old Trafford should the opportunity arise.

Interest from the two should make Barcelona move quickly, and probably give one of their brightest stars a contract worthy of his importance to the club.