Barcelona midfielder Gavi has turned down a move to Manchester United, dealing a blow to the club's hopes of strengthening their midfield this summer.
United boss Michael Carrick had identified the 22-year-old Spain international as a target to bolster his options ahead of the new season. It is understood United were willing to meet Barcelona's £35m asking price, but Gavi has made it clear he wants to remain with the Spanish champions and has no interest in joining United.
United's summer business so far
The news will frustrate United fans, who have grown impatient with the club's lack of serious transfer activity. While rivals have spent heavily, United have so far invested a combined £85m on Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, the latter arriving from Chelsea.
Gavi, who joined Barcelona at the age of 11, has made 119 league appearances since his debut in 2021. He missed five months of last season with a serious knee injury but regained form and fitness in March, earning a place in Spain's squad for this summer's World Cup.
World Cup and Barcelona future
Gavi made two appearances during the tournament and was an unused substitute in the final, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in New York. He is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2030, and Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is reluctant to let him leave.
Speaking about his relationship with Flick at the end of last season, Gavi said: "I have suffered a lot, unfortunately, in these last two years. It's football. They were serious injuries and you have to be mentally strong, and I have been. It's a strong point of mine. I'm at this level because of the mentality I have. It is not easy to play at this pace, coming from two serious injuries. I've done it and I'm proud."
He added: "Luckily, the coach trusts me a lot. He's like a father to me. I am very grateful to him. It's not easy to get to play after this injury. He knows about my talent and mentality and that it's important for the team. He blindly trusts me."
United's options and other departures
Gavi's desire to stay in Spain will force United to look elsewhere in Carrick's bid to sign a third midfielder this summer, with time running out in the transfer window.
Away from midfield, United's only other business has been the free transfer of goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The club has also said farewell to several players, including Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro, while goalkeepers Radek Vitek and Altay Bayindir have both departed.
