Gavi is reportedly prepared to snub Liverpool and Manchester City and prolong his stint with Barcelona by signing a new contract.
According to a report by 90 min, Liverpool and Manchester City have been handed a major blow in pursuit of Gavi. The Spanish prodigy will not leave Barcelona in the summer transfer window and will prolong his stay at Camp Nou by signing a bumper new contract with the Blaugrana.
Gavi has taken no time to establish a foothold in the first-team setup at Barcelona, profiting from the Catalan club’s financial woes to become a key figure for them in his breakthrough campaign. At the same time, the 17-year-old has also broken into the Spanish national side and could be on the plane to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this year.
The teenage prodigy has made 36 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions thus far this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists in the process. But the La Liga heavyweights had been sweating over Gavi’s long-term future, with his contract expiring in a little over a year. Such a situation had captured the attention of Barcelona and Manchester City.
The interest from Liverpool is understandable, considering James Milner is in the twilight of his illustrious career. At the same time, Jordan Henderson and former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara are on the wrong side of 30, thereby prompting Jurgen Klopp to seek a midfield solution from the market.
As for Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne are in their thirties, while Fernandinho is nearly at the end of his storied career. Manchester City could thus do with a central midfield reinforcement, making Gavi a viable target.
Apart from Liverpool and Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the 17-year-old Spanish prodigy. But Gavi is prepared to commit his long-term future to Barcelona finally.
While the youngster had recently rejected a contract offer from Barcelona, his representatives have told prospective suitors, including Liverpool and Manchester City, that he is committed to Barcelona. Gavi will become one of the highest-paid teenagers by signing a bumper new contract, with his new contract set to have a €1 billion release clause.
