Transfer Centre

Gavi 'now close to signing new Barcelona contract'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 10 September 2022

Teenage midfielder Gavi is now close to penning a new contract with Barcelona following lengthy discussions, according to a report.

Gavi is reportedly now close to penning a new contract with Barcelona following lengthy negotiations.

The 18-year-old was a vital player at club level during the 2021-22 campaign, making 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.

Gavi has again been a key figure for Xavi's side this term, featuring on five occasions, including the full 90 minutes against Sevilla in La Liga last weekend.

There has been a host of talk surrounding the midfielder's future in recent months, and he has still not signed a new contract at Camp Nou, with his current deal due to expire next June.

The likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are all believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation with a view to potentially signing him.

Barcelona's Gavi celebrates scoring a goal which is later disallowed on February 13, 2022 © Reuters

Over the summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said that he was "optimistic" that the youngster would soon commit his future to the club.

"We're optimistic because we want Gavi to stay at Barcelona. We are very excited about him staying, he's from our academy. The player and his agent, who we know, also want to stay at Barcelona. We are very close to reaching an agreement," he told Marca at the time.

There have been a number of issues in the negotiations, though, with Laporta previously opening up on his frustrations in terms of the discussions.

"His agent has had the renewal offer on the table for a long time," Laporta told L'Esportiu. "We don't have any news they have accepted it. The news that we do have is that they are comparing and at some time will say something. We have said our position and for now, it's not been accepted.

"Yes (hurt by the actions of Gavi's agent), because we don't understand it. Gavi is a player that we all like, he has a present and a magnificent future at Barcelona.

Gavi pictured for Barcelona on December 18, 2021 © Reuters

"Within the salary levels, it's more than acceptable. (But) we will not go out of these levels, because I don't want Barca to continue in the line that those before us were on that has taken Barca to ruin.

"If we have players that come out of the academy, we make them an offer of a present and a very good future, and if the agent is comparing and delaying the decision, it's understandable that I don't like the situation."

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gavi is now close to signing a new long-term deal.

The Italian claims that talks are 'moving to the key stages', and Barcelona are not concerned about the recent reports linking him with other clubs.

Gavi became Spain's youngest ever player when he debuted for the national side last October, and he is widely expected to be in the La Roja squad for the 2022 World Cup.