Barcelona youngster Pablo Gavi was officially deregistered as a first-team player by Laliga yesterday.
After agreeing to sign new contracts in September, the 18-year-old playmaker received the legendary squad number, which was previously worn by current Blaugrana coach Xavi. However, La Liga is preventing the filing of a new contract because Barcelona’s financial situation is still dire. The Catalan powers are over budget for 2022–23, so Gavi, a graduate of La Masia, will have to continue appearing in the club’s Juvenil A records for the time being. Barcelona is optimistic that they can make room on their wage bill for Gavi this summer, despite reports that clubs like Bayern Munich are interested in signing the young player.
When Xavi’s team returns to domestic play after the international break with a trip to Elche on Saturday, Gavi will be switching back to the No. 30 jersey that he donned when making his senior Barca debut.
