Liverpool, Man City on alert after Barcelona prodigy’s contract registration is overturned

Barcelona were dealt with yet another shock yesterday as the Mercantile Court declared Gavi’s registration null and void, citing that the club had missed the filing deadline by one day.

Gavi has become one of the most integral figures in the Barcelona squad, impressing onlookers with his technical brilliance, versatility and aggression. He was rewarded for his performances with a contract in September worth €8 million per season.

But La Liga did not ratify the contract extension claiming that Barcelona were violating the Financial Fair Play regulations. Barça later registered Gavi as part of the first-team at the end of January through a court filing that came in their favour.

However, the same court has now declared Gavi’s registration void, meaning the player will go back to his youth team contract while relinquishing his number six jersey. Perhaps most importantly, the youngster will become a free agent at the end of the season.

The Blaugrana, however, maintain that nothing has changed with respect to Gavi and his contract registration, stating that everything was done on time and within deadlines and that the court’s decision on the matter is not concrete.

Amidst this, according to The Times, Gavi’s contract dilemma has put Liverpool and Manchester City on red alert. The two Premier League giants had always admired Gavi but their chances of signing the Barcelona starlet always seemed remote, due to the player’s desire to remain at Camp Nou.

However, with Gavi facing the possibility of becoming a free agent in the coming summer, the two clubs sense the opportunity of securing his services, especially if Barcelona fail to sort out their economic woes.

Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder this coming summer, with Jude Bellingham among their top targets. But a player like Gavi could prove to be a coup for the Reds.

Similarly, Manchester City want to enhance their options in the middle of the park, especially with Ilkay Gundogan likely to leave the club at the end of the season. Interestingly, the German international has been linked with a free transfer to Barcelona.