Barcelona starlet Gavi set to sign new contract – with insane release clause

Spain and Barcelona youngster Gavi is set to sign a new contract with the Catalan giants that will include a massive release clause.

The news provides relief to Barca fans, who feared that the 18-year-old may leave the club. Previously, Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester United pondered moves for Gavi, as his old deal expired next summer.

Additionally, Bayern Munich expressed interest in the Spaniard, per Bavarian Football Networks. However, these rumours are settled, for now, thanks to the impending confirmation of his new contract.

Star in the making

Gavi broke into the Barcelona first team at the start of the 2021/22 season. His debut came in August 2021, where he made a late substitute appearance in a 2-1 win against Getafe. From here, the sky was the limit.

The midfielder’s energy, composure, and technical quality stood out immediately on the pitch as he established himself as a regular starter. Gavi and fellow youngster Pedri drew comparisons to the legendary Xavi and Andres Iniesta – high praise indeed.

In November 2021, Gavi received the chance to work under his predecessor when Xavi became Barcelona manager. After Xavi’s appointment, he continued to feature heavily in Barca’s midfield, making 33 La Liga appearances in 2021/22.

The young Spaniard also quickly put himself on his national team’s radar last year. Spain coach Luis Enrique called up Gavi in October 2021, when he was just 17 years old.

Barca’s young star made his international debut in the Nations League Finals that year, starting in Spain’s 2-1 semi-final win over Italy. Gavi also started the final, but Spain lost 2-1 to France in the showpiece game at the San Siro.

Gavi has gone on to make ten appearances for his country, getting his first goal in a 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic.

Now, Barcelona have rewarded the starlet’s brilliant performances with a new deal.

Gavi signs new contract with Barcelona

Prominent journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Gavi is set to sign a new contract with Barcelona via Twitter. According to Spanish outlet SPORT, this is a four-year extension that will expire in the summer of 2026.

Most interesting, though, is the absolutely astronomical release clause. Gavi’s deal contains an exit clause where clubs must pay €1 billion to bypass negotiations with his club.

This massive fee will likely deter potential suitors, such as Liverpool and Man United, who still hoped to pull off a transfer for Gavi.

But why did Barcelona even bother putting in a release clause that is so outlandish?

It is a traditional rule in Spain that players’ contracts must contain a release clause of some description. This is so clubs cannot force a player to stay at a team against their will. 

But, of course, there is no limit on the price at which you can set said clause. Therefore, Gavi, joins several Barca stars who also have a ten-digit release fee.

Midfield starlet Pedri also has a €1 billion release clause in the deal that he signed in October 2021. Similarly, Ansu Fati’s contract extension had a release figure that goes above the millions.

With these eye-watering price lists, Barca are clearly trying to lock this trio down for many years.

Featured Image Credit: Getty