FC Barcelona Failure To Register Gavi Contract Today Will Reduce Release Clause To Zero

A failure to register Gavi’s new FC Barcelona contract on January 31 could result in the youngster’s release clause being reduced to zero and would make him able to join a rival club for free, according to the Spanish media.

Gavi agreed fresh terms with the Blaugrana in September 2022 which are meant to run until 2026 and come with a €1bn ($1.08bn) release clause.

Barca reportedly decided not to sign anyone in the current transfer window and focus on registering the new deal with La Liga.

Much to their disappointment, however, the club was knocked back by the Spanish top flight run by president Javier Tebas, who has also warned that Barca are €200mn ($217mn) over their salary limit when it comes to Financial Fair Play rules next season.

On January 31, Barca received a fresh boost when a judge ruled in their favor, in a move that they thought would finally allow them to give Gavi the number ‘6’ jersey once donned by first team manager Xavi Hernandez.

It appears that La Liga will appeal the decision, however. And according to a report from MARCA, a failure to register Gavi by 23:59 this evening would scrap any release clause and make him available for free to any club that wishes to acquire his services.

As the winner of the last edition of the Golden Boy award, and one of the most promising young players in the world, Gavi would have no end of suitors with the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea all previously registering their interest in him.

News of the development will be welcomed by these European rivals, but shouldn’t come as a concern to Barca or their fans.

On the Catalans’ books since the age of 10 when he joined from Real Betis, Gavi has constantly shown that he is loyal to the club and waited patiently for it to come forward with a new offer amid their financial difficulties.

That attitude effectively means it isn’t important whether Gavi has a release clause or not, nor how high it is an attempt to deter new money outfits such as Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City.