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Barcelona told they can’t register Gavi after new contract

Published 21:35 25 Jan 2023 GMT

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Just another normal day at Barça HQ

Barcelona have reportedly been told that they are unable to register Gavi following his new contract. The youngster signed a new deal with the club in September - the first contract he had signed after his initial deal when he was 16 in 2020 - to take his release clause to £1bn. Barça have been told that the 18-year-old will still be allowed to play under his current terms, as per the Daily Mail. As part of the four-year deal there were plans for the midfielder to take the number six shirt - once held by his manager Xavi - to replace his current number, 30. Although high earners such as Gerard Piqué and Memphis Depay have departed the club, the Catalan giants are still suffering from Financial Fair Play issues, therefore denying them the chance to register the Spain international. Within the report, it claims that Barcelona have been unable to generate enough savings ahead of next season, despite trying, and are not complying with at least two articles of LaLiga's regulations on the matter.

They are allegedly Articles 101 and 93.6. Article 101 states that renewals must take into account the cost of next year's squad while the other says that Barça must present a financial plan for the next two seasons in response to the various levers they have activated. It comes as yet another blow to club president Joan Laporta - and Gavi - who will now have to remain on the same terms that he agreed back in 2020. Additionally, it means that the youngster will no longer be able to change his shirt number as planned. Barcelona are hoping to rectify the situation in the near future. The teenager has been one of the best Barca players this season, featuring in 27 games, scoring once and coming up with a few assists. The Catalan club are three points clear of Real Madrid, atop LaLiga. Gavi has been fundamental to the side's title push this season, making 26 appearances for the club in all competitions, as well as impressing for Spain at the recent World Cup.