Gavi is one of the most beloved footballers by Barça fans. His dedication, character, and ability to compete have made him an emblem of the new project. But his situation on the team isn't as comfortable as many think.
After the serious injury he suffered last season, it has been difficult for him to regain prominence. Hansi Flick has opted for Dani Olmo as an attacking midfielder, and Gavi has had to adapt to a more secondary role. He hasn't stopped competing, but he also hasn't been able to establish himself as a regular starter.
Despite this, his commitment to the club is absolute. A few months ago, he renewed until 2030 and has no intention of moving.
A Market That Could Complicate Everything
Barça's sports planning for the next season includes several moves in the midfield. The club wants more arrivals, more goals, and offensive profiles that provide options. This could directly affect Gavi.
One of the names that had appeared on the culé agenda was Álex Baena. The Villarreal player has excelled this year with numbers and performance well above what was expected. An attacking midfielder, capable of making a difference in the final meters.
His signing would have meant direct competition for Gavi. Both occupy similar areas of the field and have complementary qualities.
Simeone Enters the Scene
But Barça hasn't been able to accelerate the operation. While Deco and Flick were considering whether to make a move, Atlético de Madrid has stepped forward. Simeone has requested creative reinforcements, and Baena fits that profile.
The colchonero club has convinced the player with a competitive project and guaranteed minutes. Baena has said yes, and his signing is a matter of time. At Barça, the reaction has been more of relief than disappointment.
The scenario has cleared for Gavi. One of his potential competitors will no longer be on the roster.
Baena's departure from the blaugrana radar means one clear thing: Gavi will have fewer obstacles to fight for a spot in the starting eleven. Flick counts on him, although in a role of energy and pressure rather than as a pure attacking midfielder. But with time and minutes, everything can change.
Gavi knows he still needs to recover his best version. But he also knows he needs continuity to achieve it. The arrival of a player like Baena would have delayed his return to the forefront.
Now, without that signing, the path is clearer. And in the locker room, his position gains stability.
A Bitter Pill for Flick, but Good Internal News
Flick had requested a reinforcement with goals from the second line. Baena was one of Deco's favorites, but Barça wasn't willing to enter auctions. Atlético has offered better conditions and won the race.
On a sporting level, it's a small defeat for the coaching staff. But it's also an opportunity to look inward. Players like Gavi or Fermín can fill that space without the need for big signings.
The squad appreciates decisions that maintain competitiveness without saturating positions.
With Álex Baena's signing by Atlético de Madrid, Gavi breathes easy. The Sevillian midfielder gets rid of one of the few names that could definitively displace him from the starting eleven. Simeone, unintentionally, has done him a favor.
Now, with the competition clearer and no new threats on the horizon, Gavi has the opportunity to reclaim his place at Barça. It all depends on him.
At Camp Nou, they know: when Gavi is well, he's untouchable.