Barcelona president on the possibility of signing Gavi’s replacement: “We have a very competitive squad”

Speaking at the MARCA Awards Gala earlier today, Barcelona president Joan Laporta commented on the possibility of the club signing a new player to replace key midfielder Gavi.

Gavi will miss the rest of the 2023/24 season after rupturing his ACL while playing for Spain last weekend.

The long-term nature of the injury comes as a blow for Barça, considering how crucial the youngster is in Xavi Hernandez’s team.

It has sparked talk about the Catalan heavyweights roping in a replacement for the midfielder during the January transfer window.

Joan Laporta says Barça have a competitive squad

The question was put forth to Laporta at the MARCA Awards Gala earlier today and the Barcelona president, first of all, sent his well-wishes to Gavi, before insisting that the squad at Xavi’s disposal is quite competitive.

However, Laporta added that the matter will be up to Barça’s sporting director Deco and manager Xavi.

“It’s an unfortunate injury. The first thing is for him to focus on his recovery. He has a great present and a great future,” Laporta said.

“We delegate to our director of football. Deco and the coach then take it up. In principle, we think we have a very competitive squad,” he added.

Deco insists Gavi is irreplaceable

Deco, who had already made his opinion clear about replacing Gavi earlier this week, once again insisted that the 19-year-old is not someone who can be replaced easily.

“It’s not so easy to find someone like Gavi. The market is complicated…. If at the right time, we have to make these adjustments, we will do it,” Deco stated at the Gala.