‘Barcelona can’t let them leave:’ Xavi sends strong message

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Xavi has urged Barca to keep Gavi and Araujo.

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has told the club they cannot allow young stars Ronald Araujo and Gavi to leave amid speculation over the futures of both players.

The duo are out of contract in 2023 and have yet to reach a new deal at Camp Nou. Xavi said in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, April 2 that the club was required to keep the two stars.

“It was very important, I made it clear with the minutes they played the important part that we both spent,” he said. “The club cannot allow them to leave, they are important because of how we want to play and I think it is a matter of time. I am positive and I want to believe that they will stay.”

Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona in central defence, forming a close partnership with Gerard Pique in the center of the back line. The Uruguayan has made 32 appearances this season for Barca in all competitions, scoring four goals.

Gavi has also become a regular despite only turning 17 in August. The tenacious teenager has two goals and four assists for Barca in the 2021-22 season and has also made it to the Spain national team under Luis Enrique.

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Busquets warns Gavi and Araujo

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has also spoken out about the futures of both Araujo and Gavi, sending a warning to the duo. The midfielder told RAC1 that players who leave the Camp Nou often regret their decisions, Diario Sport reports.

“I’ve talked to them many times and they know they won’t get it like here anywhere else. Not the club, but the dressing room, the city,” he said. “They have been here for many years. They know they have many years left in their careers. If one day they want a new experience, maybe after 10 years you want to go to the Premier League or the US, that’s normal, but leaving so soon… Those who left and should have stayed have regrets.” .

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has given an update on two contract extension terms and stated that the situation is progressing normally, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“Well, this is going in the right direction. Yes, they are the players that we want to continue, within the salary that we are setting. We want them to continue for many more years,” he said. “Negotiations are underway and everything is going completely normally with Araujo and Gavi.”

Xavi talks about Dembele’s future

Ousmane Dembele is another Barcelona player out of contract in the summer, and Xavi also offered his thoughts on the Frenchman. Dembele’s plans for next season are still unknown but the coach is hopeful he can stay at Camp Nou.

“I saw him having fun, participating in the project. Since I arrived in November, he has been a great professional. It depends on him. He will become a free agent in June and so it is a question for Ousmane,” he said. “I have a clear opinion. He is a really talented player. I have said that before. If he’s the right fit, he could be the best in the world in his position. He knows our project and he has to agree with the club”.

Dembele missed the start of the season through injury but has been in impressive form under Xavi in ​​2022. The 24-year-old has contributed seven goals in his last eight games for the Catalan side in all competitions. .

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