After footage surfaced of the post-Elche celebrations between Barcelona pair Xavi and Gavi, the former has confirmed his willingness to contribute towards a contract renewal for the club’s latest breakthrough star.
Nico strikes late
Barca were of course back in La Liga action this past Saturday.
After a late collapse at Osasuna in their prior outing saw the Blaugrana’s winless streak across all competitions reach the figure of three, Xavi and co. welcomed relegation-battling Elche to Catalunya, eyeing a much-needed three points.
And, when all was said and done, this is precisely what Barcelona secured.
After again throwing away the advantage, this time a two-goal one, to allow Elche back into proceedings courtesy of a quick-fire 2nd-half double, the hosts eventually bagged an all-important 3rd five minutes from time.
Youngster Nico proved the hero, latching onto Gavi’s pull-back before slotting home in style at the near post:
Nico makes it 3-2 to Barcelona! ??
Brilliant assist from Gavi ? pic.twitter.com/7s5Ly2xgjf
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) December 18, 2021
‘Move quickly’
Whilst it was Nico who therefore went on to grab the headlines on the back of the full-time whistle on Saturday, in truth, it was fellow starlet Gavi who stole the show.
As well as teeing up Barca’s eventual winner, the midfielder, still just 17, netted a solo stunner early in the first-half, amid a brilliant all-round performance:
That is SPECIAL from Gavi! ?
A fantastic individual goal from the Barca youngster ?? pic.twitter.com/ANq20DFgti
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) December 18, 2021
And one individual who was evidently overjoyed with the latest efforts of Gavi was none other than his manager, who, in the immediate aftermath of the clash, was spotted pulling the Spanish international in for a warm embrace in the Camp Nou tunnel:
? Abrazo entre magos#MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/hEUU5Bha4F
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) December 20, 2021
In turn, speaking during a press conference ahead of Barca’s crunch La Liga meeting with Sevilla on Tuesday night, it came as little surprise when Xavi was today drawn on the subject of Gavi’s contract.
Widespread chatter has surrounded negotiations between the Blaugrana and their La Masia gem of late, amid the widespread understanding that Gavi will soon commit his long-term future to the Catalans.
His boss, though, is evidently keen to leave nothing up to chance.
Responding to questions over a potential new deal for his midfield sensation, Xavi went as far as to confirm that he, along with others at the club, would be willing to fork over their own hard-earned cash, to ensure that Gavi is tied down as soon as possible:
Xavi: We have to move quickly to renew Gavi’s contract now. If it’s necessary, we will all put in money because him, Nico and other youngsters are the future of the club. We can’t lose these players
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) December 20, 2021
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