Another intriguing transfer rumor is making the rounds in Spain this summer – and while it may be little more than silly season speculation, it’s one that’s grabbing headlines: Atlético Madrid wants to loan Barcelona’s Gavi for the 2025/26 season.
But before you raise an eyebrow, here’s everything you need to know – and why it’s very unlikely to happen.
🧠 Atlético’s Bold Plan: Guarantee Gavi a Starting Spot
According to Tomeu Maura from OK Baleares (a regional outlet under the controversial OK Diario), Atlético Madrid is preparing an audacious bid to sign Gavi on a one-year loan.
Their key selling point?
👉 A guaranteed spot in the starting XI, a move that could help Gavi reassert himself in the Spanish national team setup before the 2026 World Cup.
Rumors suggest that Hansi Flick may currently prefer other midfielders, putting Gavi’s place in Barcelona’s starting lineup in jeopardy — something that Diego Simeone is reportedly keen to exploit.
Simeone is said to be a long-time admirer of Gavi’s tenacity, aggressive playstyle, and winning mentality, making him an ideal fit for Atlético’s high-intensity system.
🗣️ Gavi’s Response: “Barça Is My Life”
Despite the speculation, Gavi has repeatedly made it clear that his heart belongs to Barcelona.
“My dream and goal is to spend my entire career at Barcelona. This is the club of my life, and I want to succeed here. I don’t want to play for any other team, and I’ll do everything I can to make that happen,”
– Gavi, June 2025
That statement alone should be enough to dismiss most of the noise. But Atlético may be betting on Barcelona’s current financial struggles to open the door — at least slightly.
💸 Barça’s Financial Pressure: A Weak Point?
Barcelona is under pressure after UEFA sanctions forced the club to reduce its wage bill. While a permanent transfer is completely off the table, Atlético sees a potential opening for a paid loan deal.
They’re reportedly planning a last-minute move similar to what they pulled off with Antoine Griezmann — waiting until the final days of the transfer window, when Barça might be forced to consider desperate financial measures.
Carlos Bucero, Atlético’s general manager of football, is rumored to be preparing a meeting with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco in the coming days. Several player names are expected to be discussed, including Fermín, although he’s considered almost untouchable.
⚠️ Why This Deal Is Highly Unlikely
Aside from Gavi’s own refusal to leave, a loan deal to a direct domestic rival like Atlético would likely spark outrage among Barça fans.
Let’s not forget the backlash from:
- David Villa’s transfer to Atlético
- Luis Suárez’s move
- And even Griezmann’s saga
Any similar deal involving Gavi — one of La Masia’s brightest jewels — would be met with intense criticism and uproar from supporters.
Still, Atlético reportedly remains undeterred.
“The operation is complicated, especially because it would mean strengthening a direct competitor. But one thing is clear – Atlético will try, because they know what a player like Gavi would mean to their squad.”
– Tomeu Maura
🔍 Final Thoughts: Just Summer Speculation?
In the end, this rumor seems to be more of a fantasy than a realistic scenario. Gavi is deeply committed to Barcelona, and even with wage-cut pressures, it’s hard to imagine the club letting him go — even temporarily.
