Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has admitted he has been encouraging Barcelona star Gavi to leave Camp Nou and join him at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In an interview with Marca, the 21-year-old England international suggested that remaining at what he described as a “trophyless Barça” could deny the 20-year-old Spaniard the chance to win football’s biggest prizes.
“I told him he should leave Barcelona and come to Madrid, but it seems he doesn’t listen anymore,” Bellingham revealed. “When he realizes, it might already be too late. A player of his quality deserves a Champions League medal.”
The remarks have fuelled speculation about Gavi’s long-term future, with Spanish outlets reporting that Real Madrid are considering a major bid. The club view him as a potential successor to Luka Modrić, while Barcelona remain determined to keep hold of their prized midfielder, who is under contract until 2026.
Since breaking into the first team in 2021, Gavi has become a central figure in Barça’s midfield, earning comparisons to legends Xavi and Iniesta for his creativity, intensity, and versatility. Despite this, Bellingham believes his rival’s talent belongs on the grandest stage.
“He’s already a top-class player for both the present and the future,” Bellingham added. “Madrid is where you win the biggest prizes.”
Bellingham’s own success at Madrid—winning La Liga, the Champions League, and other honours since his 2023 arrival—gives weight to his argument. But Barcelona supporters hope loyalty to the Blaugrana will outweigh Madrid’s pull.
The coming transfer windows may provide the answer: will Gavi remain the heartbeat of Barcelona’s future project, or could the lure of the Bernabéu prove irresistible?
