Surprising reports are emerging from Catalonia regarding Barcelona midfielder Gavi. Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport revealed that former sporting director Mateu Alemany explored the possibility of transferring the La Masia academy product in a significant player exchange.
Gavi has been a mainstay for Barcelona since the start of his career, making 155 appearances to date, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists. His impact could have been even greater were it not for recent injury setbacks. He is currently recovering from arthroscopic surgery undergone in September.
The young midfielder has faced recurring knee issues, previously suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in November 2023, sidelining him for nearly a year.
It has now come to light that just months before that devastating injury, Gavi was nearly on his way out of the club. Mateu Alemany, then Barcelona’s sporting director, had tentatively agreed to a major swap deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
– In the summer of 2023, Mateu Alemany had an agreement in place for a cash-free exchange involving Gavi for Marco Verratti and Fabian Ruiz. Luis Enrique, who had recently taken charge at PSG, welcomed the opportunity to work with the player he knew from the national team. The deal was very close to being finalized, but Gavi and Deco ultimately blocked the move – reported Lluis Miguelsanz.
PSG ultimately moved Verratti during the 2023 summer window, selling him to Al-Arabi. The Italian midfielder now plays for Al-Duhail. Fabian Ruiz remains a PSG player.
Gavi, meanwhile, is expected to continue his career at Camp Nou, with his current contract running through 2030.
