Liverpool have been linked with Barcelona’s Pablo Gavira. Gavi has got 18 months left on his current contract and is currently negotiating a new deal with Barca.
Barcelona boss Xavi has been counting on Gavi on a regular basis and Liverpool have identified the Spaniard as a key target, claims El Nacional.
The source understands that the Reds are planning to trigger the €50 million release clause that stands active in the player’s existing contract. The former Premier League champions are planning on offering Gavi a significant raise over Barcelona’s current offer. The Blaugrana, themselves, have offered the young midfielder a ‘significant raise’ of their own in his current salary, which is said to be between €1.5 to €2 million, claims the source. Liverpool are planning to better it by doubling Barca’s current offer in addition to a €10 million signing-on bonus.
The Catalan club’s current offer is a progressive one with the player set to see a gradual increase in his wages until 2027. Moreover, the idea is to remove his current release clause.
Gavi: A good option for the future?
There is no doubt about the enormous potential that Gavi carries. Having signed for Barcelona at the age of 11, the player is well versed in the club’s ethics and has shown concrete signs of being an integral part of it’s long-term future as well as the present with Xavi already making the 17-year-old an integral part of his set-up.
For instance, in the all-important clash against Atleti this past Sunday, Xavi started Gavi ahead of Dembele. This pretty much highlights his importance to the team. As it stands, Gavi is also ahead of Frenkie De Jong and Riqui Puig in the pecking order when it comes to the midfield slots as well.
Gavi can play as an attacking midfielder, a winger, or a false 9, making his versatility an asset for Barca. If Liverpool do manage to sign the Spanish talent, they will have acquired a gem on their hands.
Are Liverpool actually in with a chance?
Manchester City have also been tipped to make a move for Gavi. But, with the Cityzens seemingly solely focused on signing Erling Haaland, a move for Gavi looks unlikely at this stage.
The player, however, wants to succeed at Barcelona. Moreover, it is quite evident that he loves his current club. With that said, there have been rumors that he has rejected Barca’s first attempt at renewing but an agreement between the two parties is expected soon. With an agreement being imminent, Gavi’s renewal is a priority for Barca.
The reality is that the chances of Liverpool signing Gavi are slim. However, if the contract standoff persists between Gavi and Barca, the Reds will fancy their chances given their own reputation of being a trophy winning club providing an excellent platform for youth to flourish.