Barcelona finally caught some breath after finalizing the registration of midfielder Pablo Gavi as a first team player early this week.
The registration was one that ensured that the club handed the teenager the legendary No.6 jersey that has been won by some of the best in the club’s history including current first team coach Xavi Hernandez.
That process wasn’t a pleasing one at all to the club. With Barcelona deep into the matter, the Spanish Football League (LFP) had declined registering the player on grounds that the club had no margin within La Liga’s salary caps in which to operate.
Barcelona who thought they had all necessary documents and requirements sent to Laliga were left puzzled of the decision. The reaction? Court! The Catalans sought the intervention of a commercial court who inturn urged LPF to effect the player’s registration.
What a relief that was for both the club and it’s faithful! Had Gavi not been registered before the end of the transfer window, he would’ve been a free agent.
For a player that has been an integral part of Barcelona’s revival, the thought of losing him was one the Catalunya club wasn’t willing to imagine.
When Gavi broke into Barcelona’s first team in 2021, his poise, vision and ability to initiate counter-attacks was what caught many a eye, but so did his aggressiveness.
The boy from Seville oozed Barca’s DNA and it was evident his guaranteed place in the team awaited.
The 18-year-old’s rise to the scene was preceded by Riqui Puig, another La Masia product who had been the talk of Barca faithful. A similar playing style to Gavi, Riqui Puig was considered one for the future and one to preserve Barca’s way, but failed to cement a starting berth in the team.
He was shipped to LA Galaxy in the Major League Soccer last year. One may argue, the rise of Gavi was in part the reason for that.
Gavi has kept justifying Barcelona’s faith in him. With his partner in crime Pedri dictating matters, Barcelona’s midfield can now be seen as Barca’s, four years after the last duo of Xavi-Iniesta announced retirement.
Gavi has just two goals for Barca, but that’s the part of his game he’s yet to unlock. The midfielder scored 95 goals for his boyhood club Betis’ academy in one year.
A Golden boy and Kopa trophy winner already, Big and more honours, and goals await the teenager.
