Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted that the club are frustrated by the delay in Gavi‘s contract renewal.
The 17-year-old made the breakthrough at Camp Nou last term, featuring on 47 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.
Gavi also became Spain’s youngest ever player last October and ended the 2021-22 La Liga season with two goals and six assists in 34 appearances.
The midfielder’s contract with Xavi‘s side is due to expire next June, though, and Barcelona have been finding it difficult to sign the teenager to an extension.
A number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, are believed to be prepared to pay the Spaniard big money to move to English football.
A recent report claimed that Barcelona were on the verge of reaching an agreement with Gavi over a new long-term deal, which could run until June 2027 and include a substantial release clause.
Gavi’s agent Ivan de la Pena and Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany allegedly recently met to discuss the youngster, and there was believed to be ‘optimism on both sides’.
However, Laporta has revealed that the midfielder’s representative is currently “comparing” the club’s offer to other teams, which has led to frustration at Camp Nou.
“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”.
Laporta has also insisted that Barcelona have offered the teenager an “acceptable” contract but are not prepared to break the bank due to their delicate financial situation.
“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,” said the president.
“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.”
Gavi, who has benefited from Pedri‘s injury problems this season to feature on a regular basis, joined Barcelona at the age of 11 off the back of allegedly scoring 95 times for Real Betis’ youth team.
Only Sergio Busquets (51) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (49) made more appearances for Xavi’s side than Gavi during the 2021-22 campaign, which saw the club face disappointment in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, Europa League and La Liga.
