Liverpool handed timely Gavi transfer lifeline after latest Jude Bellingham blow

21 March 2023 , 17:39

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Gavi has been linked with a move to Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's hopes of landing Barcelona superstar Gavi have been boosted after it was claimed the midfielder has already been unregistered from their squad for next season.

The 18-year-old has been excellent for Xavi Hernandez's side this term. He has played in all but one La Liga match as Barcelona chase their first league title since 2019.

Last week, it emerged that Liverpool are exploring the option to sign Gavi after Barcelona were unable to register his new professional contract due to 'salary cap' issues. The teenager committed his future to the Spanish giants by agreeing a bumper new deal - which includes a whopping €1billion (£866m) release clause - back in September.

However, La Liga refused to ratify the deal due to the club's ongoing financial issues and Barcelona were working around the possibility to ensure it is registered for next season. But according to Mundo Deportivo, Gavi has been excluded from Barcelona's squad for the 2023/24 campaign after the club exceeded the salary limits.

After penning his new contract last year, Gavi was still registered as an academy player, but there was a plan to change his status into a professional. This can only be done during a transfer window, though.

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Barcelona tried to do it in January but that wasn't possible, with La Liga claiming Barcelona were in breach of their salary limit. It means Gavi still isn't signed as a professional player and there is a clause in his new contract that will allow him to leave on a free transfer in the summer if he still hasn't been registered as a first-team player by June 30.

Gavi could leave Barcelona for free this summer (Getty Images)

This could allow the door to open for Liverpool, who are reportedly interested in signing the Spain international. Jurgen Klopp is set to bolster his squad in the summer window - and the midfield could be a priority position.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract at the end of the season, while Arthur is expected to return to Juventus when his loan spell expires. This could leave a couple of spots free for Klopp to fill, and Gavi has emerged as a potential target for the Reds alongside several other options.

Jude Bellingham is amongst the midfielders also being linked with a switch to Anfield. The 19-year-old has been sensational for Borussia Dortmund this term and also impressed for England at the Qatar World Cup.

But Liverpool were dealt a blow in their pursuit of signing Bellingham on Monday after it was first reported by the Athletic that the Reds are 'increasingly unlikely' to bring him in this summer. It is understood that Manchester City and Real Madrid are in 'stronger positions' to sign the former Birmingham City starlet.

Kieran King