Euro giants join Liverpool in race to sign Barcelona gem amid contract wrangle
A major European club has reportedly joined Liverpool in the pursuit of Gavi, with the Barcelona star’s contract running down.
Gavi spent time in the Real Betis academy before joining Barcelona’s youth setup in 2015. He rose through the ranks and made his senior debut for the Spanish outfit at the start of the current campaign.
The central midfielder has gone on to feature 39 times in all competitions so far this season. Xavi is giving the Spain international plenty of opportunities to impress, despite him being just 17 years old.
Gavi is looking to follow in the footsteps of team-mate and compatriot Pedri, who is regarded as one of the best youngsters in the world.
Gavi is certainly making a big impression himself and is earning comparisons with Xavi during the coach’s playing days.
The six-time international is also picking up transfer links with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. According to a recent report, the Reds are ‘ready to meet’ Gavi’s release clause.
Liverpool face competition in Gavi pursuit
It stands at £42million and represents a relative steal given the current market and the playmaker’s huge potential.
Liverpool are boosted by Gavi’s contract situation. Barca are discussing a renewal with him as his current deal expires in 2023.
However, an extension is yet to come about and Liverpool are ready to pounce. The teenager could learn from Thiago at Anfield and go on to become a world-class midfielder.
But Liverpool will need to fend off serious competition to win the transfer race. According to Goal, who cite Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, German titans Bayern are keeping tabs on Gavi’s situation.
They are hoping to snap him up and are willing to pay the necessary £42m, just like Liverpool.
They are also happy to wait until a future transfer window, such as next January, when Gavi will be less expensive.
Bayern already have the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso and Marcel Sabitzer in their squad. Jamal Musiala is also available in a slightly more advanced position.
But Bayern clearly sense they can improve Julian Nagelsmann’s options by taking Gavi to the Allianz Arena. Capturing the Spaniard would also help to strengthen the long-term future of the club.
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