"He personifies everything that Barca is" - Deco heaps praise on 'special' Barcelona star amid new contract speculation

Barcelona sporting director Deco is convinced that Gavi will sign a new deal at Camp Nou. The Spanish midfielder's contract with the Catalans expires in 2026 and he is yet to agree to an extension.

Gavi's situation is being closely monitored by clubs across Europe. The 20-year-old recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and is working his way back to full fitness.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, as cited by acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Deco insisted that Gavi personifies Barcelona.

“I can see Gavi signing new contract with us at Barça, for sure. Gavi personifies everything that Barça is. He is a special player. He's only 20 but it looks like he's 26 or 27. When a player wants to stay, it will be done,” said Deco.

Gavi rose through the ranks at Barcelona and broke into the first team under Ronald Koeman in August 2021. The Spaniard scored his first goal for the Catalans later that year.

Gavi continued his steady rise under Xavi, but suffered a setback while on international duty duty last year. The player ruptured his ACL and spent nine months on the sidelines.

The Spaniard completed his long-awaited return to the pitch last month and has since registered six appearances, all from the bench.

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How many players are Barcelona missing due to injuries right now?

Barcelona are planning to tie Gavi down to a new deal.

While Barcelona have Gavi back from his long layoff, the club are still missing as many as nine first-team squad members. Marc Bernal picked up an ACL injury at the beginning of the season and won't play again this campaign.

It is a similar situation with Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German custodian suffered a patellar tendon rupture in September and remains sidelined for the rest of the season. The Catalans have already brought in Wojciech Szczesny to take his place.

Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen has an Achilles tendon irritation, and will only return in January. Ronald Araujo is nursing a hamstring issue but could make his comeback at the end of this month.

Ferran Torres is out with a hamstring injury since October and is expected to return next month. Hector Font is out with a knock as well.

Lamine Yamal picked up an ankle injury against Crvena Zvezda and will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks. Eric Garcia and Robert Lewandowski are also nursing injuries, but are expected to be back after the international break.