Gavi has returned to training with the group and, although he's not yet at one hundred percent, his presence is already starting to be felt in the locker room dynamic. The young Andalusian midfielder, who missed the second half of last season due to a very serious injury, is clear that he doesn't want to be a secondary player this season. He has been direct with Hansi Flick: if he doesn't get important minutes, he'll look for solutions.
The situation isn't easy for FC Barcelona's coach, Flick expects more open competition within the squad, but also difficult decisions, Gavi isn't willing to be a rotation player. His priority is to have continuity from the start of the season. Especially considering that 2026 is marked in red on his calendar: the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Los Palacios native knows that, after missing the Euros, his spot in the Spanish national team isn't guaranteed. Even more so with the emergence of young players like Fermín, Aleix García, or Baena, who've taken advantage of his absence. That's why he has made his position clear to the club and the coaching staff: he wants to be a starter or, at the very least, have a real leading role.
Gavi is clear about it
The message Gavi has sent isn't a threat, but it is a warning; his inner circle understands that he needs to regain his rhythm, but they warn that he can't remain stagnant. Gavi is hungry for competition and hasn't lost his character, the same one that so captivated Luis Enrique and later De la Fuente. The World Cup is his main goal and he's not willing to watch it from home due to a lack of opportunities.
There's concern at Barça, because not only has Gavi made it known that he wants minutes, but players like Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are seeking a prominent role, and there's not room for everyone. The overcrowding in midfield could explode if Flick doesn't manage the rotations intelligently. There's a risk of internal unrest.
He wants minutes no matter what
Moreover, the club is also obliged to look after its assets; Gavi is one of the most valuable players in the project and it would be a strategic mistake not to give him an important role. The fans idolize him, and his grit is a difference-maker. But it won't be easy to find balance with so many quality pieces in the engine room.
Sources close to the locker room indicate that Gavi isn't considering leaving Barça, at least not now; his desire is to succeed in the blaugrana jersey. However, if he sees that he doesn't have real options to play in key matches, he could apply pressure in the winter. There are already major clubs paying attention to his situation, especially from the Premier League.
Hansi Flick has his first bomb on the table before the season starts; managing the Gavi case will be one of his first big tests. The Andalusian wants to be indispensable again. If he doesn't achieve it, movements could begin, the World Cup awaits him, Gavi doesn't want to miss the train.