Barcelona has now finished the registration process for Gavi’s new La Liga contract.
Gavi’s youth contract was set to end this summer, and he and Barcelona reached a long-term extension last September. However, the deal wasn’t recognized because of the club’s financial difficulties, which prevented them from raising players’ salaries without first lowering them.
Inconveniently, other clubs from across Europe kept a careful eye on the situation as Gavi technically drew closer to the conclusion of his contract, just in case Barcelona couldn’t come to an agreement with the midfielder.
But now that La Liga has officially validated Gavi’s registration as a first-team player, the ordeal is finally ended.
The 18-year-old’s contract now has a €1 billion release clause and extends until the summer of 2026.
Following the signing of his agreement, Gavi briefly wore the number six jersey for the season. The teenager was forced to switch back to his old number, 30 after La Liga determined that he could not be registered as a first-team player.
For manager Xavi, who mainly relied on Gavi last season, the uncertainty being resolved will be a huge comfort. The youthful midfielder made 49 games across all leagues, including 30 starts in La Liga, and contributed three goals and seven assists in the process.
Barcelona is still determined to reduce salaries this summer. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s departures will definitely have been beneficial, but the Blaugrana are still anticipated to sell a few players to further their cause.
It was intended to utilize a significant portion of any additional income to re-sign Lionel Messi, but as a formal offer couldn’t be made in time, the Argentine chose to join Inter Miami instead.