Barcelona midfielder Gavi is set to have his status returned to that of an academy player at Camp Nou. This La Liga ruling is the latest instalment of a long-running financial dispute over the registration of the new contract he agreed back in September, as the Athletic reports.
This development means he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer, as a release clause enabling him to depart for nothing comes back into effect. It won't prohibit Gavi playing as normal for the Catalan club, but does come as a major blow in their efforts to retain the sought-after star.
However, Barcelona will reportedly appeal the court ruling and take further legal action on the matter. In the meantime, the 18-year-old's shirt number will revert to his old number 30 from the six he currently dons.
