Barcelona are flying in La Liga. The Blaugrana moved nine points clear of Real Madrid with a 1-0 win over Athletic Club. Raphinha found the breakthrough goal just before the break, and their defence stood up once again to see out the game and take home all three points.
However, off the pitch, things are far from ideal. Barca face charges of corruption over payments they made to former vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira (via BBC).
Now, less than 24 hours after their triumph at San Mamés, Barcelona have been dealt a huge blow.
Amid interest from multiple European clubs, Gavi agreed to a new deal until 2026 on improved terms with the club in September. However, in January, La Liga refused to give the green light because of their spending limit.
What next for Barcelona midfielder Gavi after suspension of registration
The Catalan outfit filed a lawsuit against that decision and managed to get Gavi registered. As a senior squad member he also got the number six shirt that was donned by Xavi in the past.
However, it is understood (via ESPN) that the judgement has now been annulled because of Barcelona’s ‘failure to comply with the deadlines set for the filing of the main lawsuit’.
The latest development has thrown Gavi’s long-term future back in limbo. He will continue to play for the first-team, but if the situation doesn’t change, he will be a free agent at the end of the season. For now, the 18-year-old will also have to go back to wearing No. 30.
Interestingly, he carried the same number on his back against Manchester United in the Europa League because UEFA rules don’t allow players to switch numbers mid-season. Irrespective of the shirt number, Gavi will hope to maintain his good run of form and finish the season on a positive note.