The agents of Barcelona midfielder Gavi have told Liverpool to forget about signing him this summer.
That’s according to Sport, who claim that the player’s ‘environment’ have slammed the door in the face of all interested parties.
As well as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are said to have been ‘on top’ of Gavi. But all parties have now reportedly been told Gavi will ‘never’ activate his £42m release clause.
Because of this, the 17-year-old is ‘not on the market.’ It’s claimed that Gavi ‘does not want to leave’ Barcelona. He’ll await their next contract offer, which he is reportedly expected to sign.
As clear as mud
Gavi’s situation has been going through a lot of flip-flopping in the press. It had previously been reported that his new deal at Barcelona was as good as signed.
It was then claimed that a delay was being caused by Liverpool’s interest. After that, there were more reports of a renewal being imminent, before talks were described as being ‘increasingly difficult’ last week.
Liverpool have also been credited with offering Gavi a contract four times that of Barca’s offer.
In reality, the only card that Barcelona really hold here is that it seems the player is keen to stay at the club. Their dire financial situation is well-documented and they don’t appear to be able to offer the teenager quite the terms he’s after.
It’s been claimed that Gavi’s release clause expires after June 30th this year. That may be a relief to Barca, but if they’re unable to offer much-improved terms then the Spain international could still leave on a free next summer.
He may leave with a heavy heart. But if he isn’t able to get the pay-rise his performances – which Xavi called ‘spectacular’ – have earnt him, then he’ll have to look elsewhere.