Liverpool receive timely Gavi transfer lifeline after latest Jude Bellingham blow
Gavi could leave Barcelona for free this summer and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the teenager who has impressed for the Catalan giants and Spain this season
Liverpool’s hopes for Barcelona superstar Gavi have been boosted after claims the midfielder has already been dropped from their squad for next season.
The 18-year-old has been outstanding for Xavi Hernandez’s side this season. He has featured in all but one La Liga game as Barcelona chase their first league title since 2019.
Last week it emerged that Liverpool were exploring the option of signing Gavi after Barcelona were unable to register his new professional contract due to salary cap issues. The teenager has entrusted his future to the Spanish giants by agreeing a super new deal back in September that includes a whopping €1bn (£866m) release clause.
However, La Liga refused to ratify the deal due to the club’s ongoing financial woes and Barcelona worked on the possibility of ensuring he would be registered for next season. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Gavi has been left out of Barcelona’s squad for the 2023/24 season after the club exceeded salary limits.
After Gavi signed his new contract last year, he was still registered as an academy player but there was a plan to convert his status to a professional. However, this is only possible during a transfer window.
Barcelona tried in January but that wasn’t possible as La Liga claimed Barcelona breached his salary cap. It means Gavi is still not signed as a professional player and his new contract includes a clause allowing him to leave on a free transfer in the summer if he’s still not registered as a first-team player by June 30.
This could allow Liverpool who are reportedly interested in signing the Spain international. Jurgen Klopp is set to strengthen his squad in the summer window – and midfield could be a priority position.
Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract at the end of the season, while Arthur is expected to return to Juventus once his loan period expires. That could leave Klopp a few spots free and Gavi has emerged as a potential target for the Reds, alongside several other options.
Jude Bellingham is among the midfielders also linked with a move to Anfield. The 19-year-old has been sensational for Borussia Dortmund this season and also impressed for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
But Liverpool were dealt a blow in their quest to sign Bellingham on Monday after Athletic first reported the Reds were “increasingly unlikely” to land him this summer. Manchester City and Real Madrid are understood to be in ‘stronger positions’ to sign the former Birmingham City starlet.