An FC Barcelona star has now reportedly been stripped of his first-team contract as well as his shirt number.
Barca's economic problems are well-documented, with LaLiga president Javier Tebas having continued to publicly discuss the club's poor financial situation in recent weeks.
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The Spanish chief announced earlier this month that the Catalan giants are barred from making any new signings going forward unless they sell a number of players to relieve their wage bill.
The club's fiscal difficulties have since impacted one of their most important stars, midfielder Gavi, who has now been stripped of his first-team contract and his No. 6 shirt, according to The Sun.
It is understood the highly-rated 18-year-old will continue to play for the senior team as usual, but has officially been demoted to his academy contract, with Barca unable to register him as a first-term player after two appeals were rejected by LaLiga due to the side's poor financial standing.
It is said their group-stage elimination from the UEFA Champions League earlier this season was a key factor in the situation as their earnings in the competition could have helped Gavi's case had they progressed to the knockout stages of the tournament.
As such, the teenage sensation will now wear the No. 30 shirt, as confirmed by LaLiga's website on which the player's profile is displayed with his old squad number.
It is believed the situation could get even worse, though. The 19-capped Spain international's current deal expires at the end of the season, and the Blaugrana could lose him as a free agent if they do not sell several players.
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The likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are said to be interested in signing the youngster, and it would certainly be a huge coup getting one of Europe's best young talents on a free deal.
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