Barca boosted by Gavi contract progress

Robin Bairner

12 Nov 2021 05:57 CST
3 min read

Xavi’s return to Barcelona has brought a ray of hope during difficult times for the club, and the latest good news linked with the icon’s presence is that contract talks with Gavi have resumed.

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Discussions between Barca and the 17-year-old midfielder had stalled during the final days of Ronald Koeman’s leadership, although they had not failed to such a degree that Gavi was ever likely to move away from the club.

Barcelona, though, have learned from bitter experience that nothing can be taken for granted, with Lionel Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer testament to this. The refusal of La Liga to grant Dani Alves a contract worth just €1 is further evidence of the difficulties that Barca face.

Gavi set for a one-year extension

Gavi, though, is set to provide the club with some solidarity in the weeks ahead.

His present deal expires in 2023 and Barcelona are seeking to reward him for his fine displays by extending that deal for a year.

Ideally, Barca would offer him a longer contract but regulations regarding minors mean that they are not allowed to be tied down for a duration of more than three years.

The youngster is valued not just because of his ability, but what he represents. He has come through La Masia and embodies the technical ideals that Xavi has said he wants to instil in his side.

Sport reports that when Gavi turns 18 in August, there is the possibility of a bigger deal being agreed.

Barcelona are ready to give Gavi a termination clause of €1 billion – matching those in the contracts of Pedri and Ansu Fati, the club’s other two major young ‘cracks’.

In terms of Gavi’s wage, nothing has yet been agreed between the two parties, although it is reported that fresh meetings will take place that will dictate the youngster’s wage, not only for the coming season, but also going ahead.

Gavi might only have played 14 times for Barcelona, but he has won acclaim for his technical ability and maturity, while he has been capped on three occasions with Spain, starring notably in the Nations League finals.