INIESTA THINKS BARCELONA RIGHT TO OFFER GAVI NEW DEAL

According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona and Ivan de la Pena ended their recent meeting with the confidence that the two parties are closer to agreeing to terms over a bumper new contract for Gavi. The 17-year-old prodigy will likely sign a long-term contract that will contain a €1 billion release clause.

Gavi has been a revelation since Barcelona promoted him to the first-team setup at the onset of the 2021/22 season. Amid a financial struggle at Camp Nou, the Blaugrana had no option to fast-track the Spanish wonderkid to the senior squad. And he has not disappointed either, establishing himself as a pivotal figure for club and country.

The 17-year-old prodigy turned out 47 times for Barcelona this past season, chipping in with two goals and six assists. And Gavi will likely be a part of Luis Enrique’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. But while the youngster is flourishing on the pitch, his long-term future had left Barcelona in a spot of bother.

Gavi’s current contract runs out next year, and Barcelona had been scrambling to tie him down to a new long-term contract. The teenage whizkid’s €50 million release clause was the primary source of Barcelona’s concerns surrounding his future, with several European bigwigs ready to trigger it to prise him away from Camp Nou.

But even though Gavi and Barcelona were far apart during their contract renewal talks, the young midfielder was adamant about staying at Camp Nou instead of joining another club. The Blaugrana slowly ebbed away at the 17-year-old, who even knocked back a proposal.

But despite facing rejection, Barcelona remained confident about renewing terms with Gavi. And according to the report by SPORT, the Catalan giants are closing in on reaching an agreement with the Spanish international after the latest discussions with his agent Ivan de la Pena. Firmer Barca midfielder Iniesta believes the club are on the right track with the contract offer.