Gavi has lost his first-team status and shirt number at Barcelona after his registration was blocked by LaLiga.
The Spain international was registered as a first-team player by Barca in January, and it was announced he would wear the number six shirt.
Yet LaLiga sought to overturn a court decision that ruled in Barcelona s favour, with the league getting its way earlier in March, entitling it to reverse Gavi s registration.
Barcelona have been told they cannot register the 18-year-old s contract as they do not have room in their wage bill.
Gavi has subsequently been placed back on his youth contract, meaning he could leave Barca as a free agent at the end of the season.
A move away from Camp Nou for the teenager is unlikely. However, as it stands, Gavi will have to wear his old shirt number – 30 – for the remainder of the campaign.
After a breakthrough season in 2021-22, Gavi has played 37 games for Barca this term, and his relegation in official status does not mean he cannot continue to play for Xavi s team.