Contract problems at Barca
Gavi (18) is FC Barcelona’s most valuable homegrown with a market value of 90 million euros and was given a contract valid until 2026 plus an exit clause worth billions in September – he could still switch for free on July 1st. Due to financial problems, Barça are in a legal battle with LaLiga, who refuse to recognize Gavi’s contract extension. As a result, his apprenticeship contract, which expires on June 30, 2023, will continue to apply and, according to the sports newspaper, Chelsea have “AS‘ positioned.
The Madrid newspaper reports that Chelsea’s technical director Christopher Vivell, among others, met with Gavi’s adviser Iván De la Peña in Madrid three weeks ago to get the negotiations rolling. The second appointment will take place shortly. Gavi is dissatisfied with the situation that in LaLiga’s eyes he does not have a valid professional contract and with the way Barcelona are dealing with it. The Catalans have already failed to challenge the decision and Gavi could well become the most valuable free transfer in football history in 2023.
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This position has so far been held by Lionel Messi (35), who left Barcelona for PSG in 2021 – even then, the Catalans’ finances were decisive for the farewell. Should Gavi actually leave Barça for free, it would be no less bitter than Messi’s exit, because Gavi is the world’s most valuable player under 18 and still has his career ahead of him. That a club would have to let such a valuable teenager go on a free transfer would also be a first in the world of football.
Luis Enrique and Gavi reunion at Chelsea?
Gavi advisor De la Peña, who played for FC Barcelona for many years during his playing days, also represents ex-Barça coach Luis Enrique, who is also in negotiations with Chelsea. Luis Enrique, who coached Spain’s national team until the World Cup in Qatar, is said to have a very good relationship with Gavi. He made the midfield strategist a regular in Spain’s squad at the age of 17 – he has made 87 appearances for the Catalans since the summer of 2021.
Chelsea reportedly wanted to sign Gavi last summer, but by then the player and club had already verbally agreed on a contract extension. A free transfer to Chelsea would probably increase the obligatory hand money for the top talent significantly.
With their unprecedented transfer offensive this season, the Blues showed that they are focusing primarily on young players: the majority of the 612 million euros was paid for ten footballers who were between 18 and 22 years old at the time of the transfer. At the meeting in Madrid, Vivell is said to have outlined the Blues’ future plan and what an important role Gavi could play in it.
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