Gavi’s arrival at FC Barcelona in the 2021 season changed the entire landscape of their midfield. Under then-head coach Xavi Hernandez, he quickly became a prospect who was about to play for the Barca badge for years to come. With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, Gavi formed a stellar trio in the midfield.
Hailing from La Masia, his love and respect for the club have been spectacular. Gavi’s relentless aggression while winning possession from opponents, counter-pressing, immaculate passing accuracy, and eagerness to defend the backline made him one of the team’s untouchables in the Barcelona squad.
Besides, he also had the knack to step up in big games like the 2023 Supercopa Final against Real Madrid, where he scored a goal and dished out two assists in a 4-1 Barca win. With experience, Gavi even became part of the leadership group and is also the fourth captain of the team for the 2026-27 season. But his role has seen a massive change under head coach Hansi Flick.
For instance, Gavi has just played 191 minutes this season in 7 games, which is far less than midfielders like Marc Bernal (415 minutes). This situation has led to numerous rumours around the player in the last few days, with clubs like PSG and Chelsea also seemingly interested in the player.
This lack of minutes has reportedly infuriated the 22-year-old regarding his current situation at the Catalan club. Journalist, transfer market and predictions expert Juan Jesus, however, recently reported that Flick has had a direct chat with the midfielder and assured Gavi that he has ample trust in the latter.
Gavi’s situation hasn’t been easy in the last few years. The Barca midfielder’s stint at the club has been plagued by injuries since 2024. The 22-year-old sustained a cruciate ligament tear in November 2023, which sidelined him for a prolonged period. Following his return, Gavi sustained another radial tear in his right knee, forcing him to be out of action yet again.
Due to these injuries, Gavi has played just 28 games across the last two seasons. Amidst this precarious situation for Gavi, Barca landed several top midfielders like Rodri while developing new ones like Bernal from La Masia. Owing to this, the 22-year-old’s inclusion in the starting XI has decreased, and he has become more of a substitute rotational player.
Even this season, when Gavi has been mostly fit, Flick has mostly used combinations involving Bernal, De Jong, and Rodri. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Flick doesn’t have confidence in the player, as he recently clarified. Notably, Flick and Gavi share a very admirable relationship, where the Barca coach immensely respects the latter for his commitment to the club.
Besides, even sporting director Deco has loved Gavi immensely and sees the latter as one of the cornerstones of the franchise for the future, and the club’s contract with the player reflects the same as well. Barca has locked up the player till 2030 for a release clause of £836.75M (1B Euros), which indicates the club’s long-term plans with the player.
Furthermore, the club needs depth in their midfield, and a player like Gavi, who can defend with his heart out at the backline and also doesn’t hesitate to progress in the attacking third, is very important for the team.
