Xavi Hernandez will meet Ivan De la Pena, the agent of Gavi, to debate the Spaniard’s new Barcelona contract against reported transfer interest from Liverpool, according to Sport.
Gavi will enter the final year of his existing Camp Nou contract this June but the Blaugrana are desperate to agree an extension. The midfielder has become a fundamental part of the Catalan giant’s plans since they appointed Xavi, and also now in the Spanish national side.
- READ MORE: Fulham’s XI if they kept their top stars
Barcelona firmly believe he is now vital to their future project, a stance Xavi has previously voiced to the 17-year-old. But the six-cap talent hopes the Blaugrana show their belief and his on-pitch status in the terms they offer. An event yet to unfold for the La Masia product.
So, Xavi wants to now be directly involved in Barcelona’s attempt to extend Gavi’s contract and will meet his agent. The Camp Nou boss has a good relationship with De la Pena, who is also a former Blaugrana player, having known each other for a number of years already.
Xavi hopes his involvement acts as a positive gesture to show Gavi his belief in his status in Catalunya. The teenager has made 21 of his 35 Blaugrana outings in all competitions since the club icon’s return in November. He has also struck his two goals and four of five assists.
Barcelona boss Xavi now directly involved in Gavi talks after Liverpool offer
Xavi deciding to become personally involved in Gavi’s contract talks comes amid Liverpool making the Barcelona gem a rival offer in view of a transfer, per Gerard Romero. The Reds are willing to pay the teen €6m-a-year (£98k-a/w) to snub a renewal and move to England.
Jurgen Klopp is driving the Anfield natives’ pursuit, per Mundo Deportivo, who note Gavi is protected by a €50m (£42.5m) release clause in his current deal. The Seville-born star also hopes to renew his Camp Nou contract before it ends in 2023, but only on the right terms.
So, given Gavi’s heightened usage with Xavi, who calls him ‘spectacular’, Klopp likely faces disappointment at Liverpool in the summer transfer window, with the Barcelona boss now also directly involved in the La Liga side’s talks with his agent over a possible new contract.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
