La Liga giant Barcelona is facing a tough task in keeping their young star midfielder Gavi. The 17-year-old star’s spectacular performances in recent months have caught the attention of big European clubs who are looking to exploit the $50 million release clause in the youngster’s contract.
Gavi has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, having only received his debut for Barca’s first team back in August. After several strong outings in La Liga, he received a call-up for the Spanish international side and immediately started in a 2-1 win against Italy earlier this week. This made him the youngest Spaniard to make an appearance in an international game.
According to Spanish media outlet El Nacional, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, and Manchester United are among the clubs chasing Gavi and are expected to try and lure him away from Camp Nou. The release clause allows them to negotiate with the player directly and wouldn’t need a green light from Barca for the transfer.
Barcelona, on the other hand, is well aware of the attention Gavi has been receiving lately and intends to act quickly in order to keep him with the club for the foreseeable future. This reportedly includes a new contract offer that would increase his release clause to $500 million.
Gavi started his career in the youth ranks of Real Betis before joining Barcelona’s acclaimed La Masia academy in 2015 as an 11-year-old. He made his way through the club’s youth ranks and played his first professional game for the club’s reserves at the age of 16. His performances for Barcelona B convinced manager Ronald Koeman to promote him to the first team ahead of 2021-22, and he since made seven appearances, including three starts in La Liga.
