Unai Emery wants to use Aston Villa’s Champions League visit to Barcelona to persuade midfielder Gavi to move to Villa Park, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.
The 21-year-old has struggled for minutes this season and came off the bench around the 70th minute of Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Villa on 3 November 2026. Barcelona are, however, reportedly unwilling to let him leave.
Why Villa Are Linked With Gavi
El Nacional identifies Villa as a potential destination if Gavi decides to consider offers. His limited playing time is presented as the main reason a move could appeal to him.
Before the match against Villa, he had played 191 minutes across seven appearances this season, including two starts, and had been left out against Alavés and in the Clásico.
Emery could offer Gavi a more defined role. His pressing, link-up play and energy are seen as qualities that would suit Villa’s style. However, convincing him to leave Barcelona would require more than the prospect of playing in England.
A clear role in the team could prove more important than a general promise of competition. Gavi came on for Fermín López against Villa after Barcelona had taken a 2-0 lead.
Barcelona’s and Gavi’s Reported Stance
SPORT says Barcelona has no plans to let Gavi leave and that he is not expected to consider offers in January or next summer.
The report says the midfielder is unhappy with his reduced role but remains determined to win his place back, while Hansi Flick wants to keep him in his plans. His limited minutes are attributed to competition in midfield.
Flick addressed Gavi’s situation before the match, saying: “Gavi is always an option.” He added that a game can change once it starts and that he had spoken to the player about his confidence.
Gavi’s contract with Barcelona runs until June 2030. Villa, meanwhile, are restricted by UEFA from registering new players for European competition this season.
The restriction was announced in June 2026 alongside a €22.5m squad-cost fine, of which €15m is conditional. The Premier League’s January transfer window opens on 1 January 2027 and closes on 1 February.
