Gavi has played only 211 minutes for Barcelona this season, and head coach Hansi Flick has reportedly decided the 22-year-old midfielder will not feature for the club going forward, oe24 reported, citing the Spanish sports daily Sport. The report lands as the Spain international — a European champion with La Roja at Euro 2024 — insists he wants to fight for his place rather than leave Camp Nou.
The midfielder, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy, has gone without a goal or an assist in those 211 minutes, and even during Dani Olmo’s injury absence, 18-year-old Marc Bernal was preferred in his position, the report said.
Napoli reportedly eye loan-with-option deal
Interest from abroad is already mounting. Napoli are said to have made contact with Gavi’s representatives about a loan move with a subsequent purchase option, according to the report, and Barcelona would reportedly be willing to accept such a structure. Gavi himself, however, is said to be categorically rejecting a transfer.
Market value collapses from €90 million to €25 million
Gavi was named Golden Boy in 2022 with an estimated market value of around €90 million; that figure has since fallen to roughly €25 million, the report noted. A major factor has been a series of serious knee injuries, above all the cruciate ligament tear he suffered in the 2023/24 season, which set the midfielder back significantly.
From Euro 2024 glory to the bench
The contrast with last summer could hardly be sharper: Gavi was part of the Spain side that lifted the European Championship trophy at Euro 2024, yet at club level he has been reduced to a bit-part role under Flick. Whether the German coach’s decision stands, and whether Gavi can still force his way back into the side, remains the open question at Barcelona.
More on Hansi Flick
Related reading