Xavi optimistic as he issues Gavi contract update
Robin Bairner
- 9 Apr 2022 16:34 BST
- 3 min read
Xavi remains upbeat over the prospect of Gavi signing a new contract with Barcelona.
Gavi’s deal with the Catalans is not u until 2023, yet the issue with the teenage midfielderis that he has a minimum fee release clause worth only €50 million.
In light of his blistering displays with Barcelona this season, such a price looks a bargain and leaves him open to being snapped up by rival sides. In particular, clubs from the Premier League have been associated with a potential swoop.
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Gavi, though, has repeatedly offered his commitment to Barca and head coach Xavi remains optimistic that a new contract will be signed by the breakthrough star of the 2021/22 season.
“I’m optimistic and I see that the player wants to stay. It depends on the club, on him and his representative, who is Ivan de la Pena. I'm not suffering. He deserves to stay and knows that we value him. I hope so,” Xavi said of the 17-year-old at a press conference on Saturday.
In his first season as a professional, Gavi has shown himself to be a special talent. He has played 37 times for the first team, scoring two goals and laying on five more, yet it has been his technical qualities that have caught the eye. This has been evident also at international level, with Spain boss Luis Enrique fast tracking him to the national team, where he has already played six matches.
The Premier League’s leading sides have been linked with Gavi. Chelsea had been credited with an interest in him before they were plunged into crisis by Roman Abramovich’s assets being frozen, but Liverpool have also been linked with a potential transfer.
The odds, though, are that Gavi will sign a new long-term deal with Barcelona, where he is set to become a club hero.
Xavi cool on Sergi Roberto contract
The case of Sergi Roberto, though, is far less clear cut. The versatile player is out of contract at the end of the season and has been unable to agree terms on a new deal.
“The sports managemrnt and the president know what I think,” Xavi said. “He is about to return after injury and could be with the squad next week. We’ll see how he feels. The contract situation is up to him and the club.”
While Sergi Roberto will miss Sunday’s trip to Levante, Gavi is set to play a starring role.
