Barcelona’s recent history has been marked by financial maneuvering and difficult decisions, and a previously undisclosed attempt to reshape its midfield in the summer of 2023 has arrive to light. Reports indicate that then-director of football, Mateu Alemany, explored a significant player exchange involving young star Gavi, offering him to Paris Saint-Germain in return for established midfielders Marco Verratti and Fabián Ruiz. The potential deal, which aimed to bolster Barcelona’s squad without a substantial cash outlay, ultimately fell apart due to the intervention of Deco and Gavi himself, according to Spanish publication Sport.
Gavi, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has grow a key figure for the club, making 155 appearances to date, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists. However, his progress has been hampered by recurring knee injuries, most recently requiring arthroscopic surgery in September. This latest setback adds another layer to a narrative that almost saw the 21-year-old move to the French capital.
The proposed exchange surfaced just months before Gavi suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in November 2023, an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. Alemany, seeking to strengthen Barcelona’s midfield under Xavi Hernández, identified Fabián Ruiz as a priority target. However, the club’s financial constraints made a direct purchase impossible. This led to the exploration of a swap deal with PSG, a club then under the leadership of Luis Enrique, who reportedly saw Gavi as a valuable addition to his squad.
According to Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport, Alemany had reached a preliminary agreement for a “cash-free exchange” of Gavi for Verratti and Fabián Ruiz. “In the summer of 2023, Mateu Alemany had an agreement for a cashless exchange of Gavi for Marco Verratti and Fabián Ruiz. Luis Enrique, who had just taken over as PSG coach, was pleased with the possibility of working with a player he knew from the national team. It was close to being finalized, but Gavi and Deco ultimately blocked the move,” Miguelsanz wrote.
🚨 Gavi almost left Barcelona in the summer of 2023! 🤯
Mateu Alemany had a deal in place to send Gavi to PSG in exchange for Verratti and Fabián Ruiz. Deco and Gavi himself blocked the move. 😳
[@lmiguelsanz] https://t.co/q9wJq9q99w
The timing of these negotiations coincided with a period of tension between Barcelona and PSG, as the French club triggered Ousmane Dembélé’s €50 million release clause that same summer, a move seen as a deliberate attempt to weaken Barcelona’s squad. Sport details how Deco, who had recently joined Barcelona as sporting director, quickly dismantled the agreement, believing that the club would be losing a valuable asset in Gavi, despite the potential benefits of acquiring Verratti and Fabián Ruiz.
Deco reportedly opposed the deal on two key grounds: the financial burden of taking on Verratti’s contract and the symbolic importance of retaining a homegrown talent like Gavi, particularly given PSG’s history of targeting Barcelona players. The concerns over Verratti’s contract are understandable, as the Italian midfielder has since moved to Al-Arabi and currently plays for Al-Duhail, while Fabián Ruiz remains with PSG.
Gavi’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2030, suggesting he is expected to remain a key part of the club’s future, despite the recent injury setback. His commitment to Barcelona, coupled with Deco’s intervention, prevented a move that could have significantly altered the landscape of both clubs’ midfields. The situation highlights the complex financial and sporting considerations that shape modern football transfers, and the importance of player agency in determining their own destinies.
The failed transfer also underscores the strategic shifts within Barcelona’s leadership. Alemany has since departed the club, and Deco’s influence has grown, shaping the team’s recruitment policy. Barcelona fans will be hoping that Gavi’s recovery progresses well and that he can return to the pitch to continue his promising career with the club.
As Gavi continues his rehabilitation, the focus remains on his return to full fitness and his reintegration into the Barcelona squad. The club will provide updates on his progress through official channels, and fans can follow his journey back to the field. The next confirmed update on Gavi’s recovery is expected in early March, as outlined by the club’s medical team.
What are your thoughts on this near-miss transfer? Share your opinions and discuss the implications for both Barcelona and PSG in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with fellow football enthusiasts!
