Barcelona starlet Gavi caught plenty of attention during their Europa League clash against Manchester United on Thursday not just because of his performance but also due to the midfielder’s shirt number.
The 18-year-old was still wearing his old number 30 kit despite already switching to the no. 6 earlier this month.
Gavi Still Wears Number 30 for Barcelona in Europa League
As we previously reported, Barcelona have officially announced that Gavi has become their new number 6 after receiving approval from La Liga. Unfortunately, that number switch didn’t have an effect on the player’s kit in European competition.
UEFA are not allowing for any changes in players' numbers during a season, so Gavi can only wear his new number 6 jersey starting next season. Several fans on social media were confused upon knowing that the Spanish international was still playing with the number 30 on his back.
the match against Man United on Thursday could also be the last time Gavi wears the number 30 for Barcelona this season
However, the match against Man United on Thursday at Camp Nou, which ended in a 2-2 draw, could also be the last time Gavi wears the number 30 for Barcelona this season, that’s if they failed to qualify in the next round. The 18-year-old won’t be available to play in the second leg at Old Trafford because of a match suspension due to card accumulation.
Meanwhile, La Liga’s rule is different as the league allow players to change their shirt number during a season, especially if the player is already registered as part of the first team. Gavi initially was part of Barca’s youth team so he can’t wear a number from 1 to 25 at first.
That situation changed this summer as the Spaniard’s role grow significantly for Xavi Hernandez’s squad. Gavi also signed a new deal at Barcelona last September but the club needed time before they can register it due to salary cap issues.
Gavi Inherits Iconic Barcelona No. 6 Kit
Following Memphis Depay’s departure in the January transfer window, Blaugrana can officially register Gavi’s new contract while changing his number from 30 to 6.
Gavi Is Yet to Wear His Number 6 Barcelona Home Jersey
Barcelona announced Gavi’s new number on February 1, this year and he debuted that number 6 jersey during the Blaugrana’s away match against Villarreal last weekend. Unfortunately, he is yet to play with the iconic number on Barca’s home jersey as he was absent in the club’s previous home game against Sevilla on February 5.
Gavi should definitely debut the number 6 with Barcelona’s home kit this upcoming Sunday in the match against Cadiz.
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