The future of Gavi at FC Barcelona isn't clear. Almost two months after his comeback, following 355 days out of action, Gavi hasn't managed to secure his place in Hansi Flick's team.
He's told it's normal, that he needs to get back into the competition's rhythm and that the process will take time. He doesn't share that opinion, however. The injury is history and he feels as strong as an ox to return to his former self.
Gavi Lives with the Substitutes without a Starting Role
El Día Después (21/10/2024): La vuelta de Gavi
However, Flick doesn't see it that way. His return hasn't been welcomed as an additional weapon to boost Barça. Gavi lives with the substitutes on the bench, without a starting role.
He's anxious. He has good feelings when he gets to play, but he plays little. He's starting to think there's something else, something related to the coach's preferences.
With Casadó and Pedri settled in the double pivot, Flick has Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Raphinha as fixed in the attacking midfield. There's no place for him there, as was the case with Xavi.
Fermín is Ahead in Rotations
But what frustrates him the most is that, whenever it's time to make changes, his option isn't prioritized. Fermín and Frenkie De Jong are ahead of him in rotations.
He lacks the minutes to prove he's back to his old self, but Flick considers that he and Fermín are repeated cards. At least for now, he prefers Fermín.
Gavi reached an agreement with Laporta to renew his contract until June 2026. However, it's not signed. He's waiting for the club to be able to register him, as in Pedri's case.
An added problem for Gavi, who isn't experiencing a moment of good feelings. So much so that he now has to wait until the end of the season to assess the importance Hansi Flick gives him in the team.
Two European Giants Ask about Him
His agent, Iván de la Peña, is in talks with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, which have already shown interest in the player's situation at Barça.
PSG is particularly receptive. Luis Enrique, who knows him very well from the Spanish national team, has urgently requested his transfer if Barça agrees to his sale.
Gavi wants to complete his sports career at Barça, but not at any cost. If at 17 he was an important player in the line-ups, he wants to continue being so at 20.
He also doesn't want to force the situation. If he doesn't have space on the field and the club can benefit from his sale, he'd be delighted to leave. Even if it means giving up his dream of succeeding at Barça.
What both he and his agent, Iván de la Peña, are clear about is that at 20, he can't stagnate.
Hansi Flick has the final say.