Liverpool put on red alert with Barcelona star 'set to leave for free', Klopp is 'obsessed'

Barcelona star Gavi could leave the club on a free transfer, which is news that will put Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on red alert.

The Reds are currently ninth in the Premier League, 21 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, and in desperate need of recruits.

The club’s first-choice midfield has suffered a dip in form, while fringe players like Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are expected to leave in the summer upon the expiry of their contracts.

In turn, Liverpool have been scouring the market for new players. Jurgen Klopp’s side has been linked with some of the most sought-after midfielders in world football in recent months, including Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez.

However, given Gavi’s precarious contract situation at Barcelona, it is possible the Reds could attempt to sign the 18-year-old in the summer for a minimal fee, or the following year for free.

Gavi to leave Barcelona?

Gavi, one of Barcelona’s most prized assets, could leave the Catalan giants for free in 2024 if the club fail to register the player's contract.

The Spain international starred for Barcelona in a 1-0 Copa del Rey victory over Real Sociedad on Wednesday evening.

However, hours before kick off the teenager made headlines as news broke that La Liga had refused Barcelona’s attempts to register the player’s contract.

This is due to the club's failure to navigate Financial Fair Play rules.

Gavi’s fresh Barcelona deal, penned last September, runs until 2026 and includes an eye-watering £880million release clause.

However, if the new contract cannot be registered Barcelona could lose their starlet for nothing in 2024, the year his previous deal was due to expire.

The same situation applies to highly rated central defender Ronald Araujo, who also penned a new deal in 2022.

Liverpool were reportedly interested in signing Gavi last summer, and will likely be aware of the youngster’s current situation.

At the time Spanish newspaper Nacional insisted that Klopp had ‘become obsessed’ with Gavi and had “already asked the board to start talks” over a deal for the player.