Barcelona midfield gem’s first-team registration not in danger

As Barcelona start preparing for the season ahead, one of the club’s more immediate concerns is the registration of some of the star players of the team, including Alejandro Balde, Gavi and Vitor Roque.

It was reported yesterday that Barça have their priorities set and are trying to register Gavi and Balde, before moving on to other individuals.

Gavi registration not an issue

There’s good news for fans worried about Gavi, however. Despite a serious injury and Barcelona’s financial woes, Gavi’s registration as a first-team player remains secure, reports Mundo Deportivo.

A legal battle with La Liga saw him temporarily categorized as a youth player in March, but a National Court decision in June reinstated his first-team status.

Barcelona fans won’t have to worry about Gavi’s registration (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This ongoing legal dispute hinges on a January 2023 ruling where Barcelona received permission to register Gavi with the first team.

While a later technicality briefly put that registration in question, the National Court’s recent decision has restored the original ruling. This means Gavi will be registered as a first-team player from July 1, until the judicial merry-go-round gets resolved.

What about Vitor Roque, Inigo?

The situation is less certain for Vitor Roque and Inigo Martinez. Both players will need to comply with Barcelona’s La Liga-imposed salary limit to be registered for next season.

While Roque can still be loaned or transferred regardless of registration status, his official first-team registration hinges on Barcelona’s financial manoeuvring.

Similarly, Martinez’s future with the team depends on his contract renewal and Barcelona’s wage bill flexibility. Given Barça’s stacked defence, a potential sale might not be ruled out either, especially given the fact that the veteran had joined the club on a free transfer.