Ansu Fati was dubbed the “next Messi” when the youngster broke into the first team from Barcelona’s famous youth setup, La Masia. He was so highly rated that he was given the No. 10 jersey when Messi departed Barcelona in 2021. Sadly, the hype surrounding the teenager hasn’t lived up to expectations, with injuries and inconsistent performances affecting his game.
Fati is now a shadow of his younger self, with the youngster lacking confidence and falling down the pecking order under Xavi. Moving away from Camp Nou is now a possibility for him, and England is the likeliest destination.
Ansu Fati considers moving away from Barcelona amid Chelsea, Tottenham interest
Despite the lack of form and regular minutes, the young Spaniard remains highly rated at Barcelona. Everyone associated with the club knows how good he is; therefore, keeping their faith in him at this point in his career is necessary for all parties involved. Fati made his debut as a 16-year-old in 2019 when injuries to Messi and Suarez forced the club to call upon him.
“I really like him and try to help and support him. He’s an amazing player and has what it takes to succeed. But if I look at it through my eyes, I’d like them to bring him on gradually, as they did with me when I started, taking things nice and easy and without pressure on him,” Messi said of his 16-year-old teammate in 2019.
All eyes fell on Fati when Messi departed the club in 2021 following the expiration of his contract. The youngster was immediately given Messi’s No. 10 jersey, with the Barcelona board sending a clear message to the world how much they believed in him. They treated Fati as their next Messi, but things haven’t worked well.
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At just 20 years old, Fati has all the time to get back on track, and a move away from Barcelona could help him do just that. According to Apex Football, Fati is drawing interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, with both London clubs looking to make a move for the Spaniard before the end of the transfer window. Famous Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano also suggested that a move for Fati could be on the cards and people should look out for him before the end of the transfer window.
Understand Tottenham are now in contact with Barça to negotiate for Ansu Fati deal on loan until June 2024. ⚪️🇪🇸 #THFC
Discussions about conditions of the deal but Barça want 100% of the salary covered.
Ansu, also presented to Chelsea as opportunity but no former approach yet. pic.twitter.com/AxXVrmVqcW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2023
Fati committed to long-term contract with staggering release clause
Barcelona’s recent contract offers have been the subject of controversy in the global soccer community. They’re known for handing out long contract durations with huge release clauses, something that may affect Fati and other players in the future. Fati signed a new deal at Barcelona in the same period he inherited the iconic No. 10 jersey from Lionel Messi.
The 20-year-old signed a contract extension until 2027 with a staggering release clause of over $1 billion. Any club looking to sign Fati from Barcelona permanently will have to pay a premium because of his huge release clause. Conversely, Fati’s lack of minutes and form could also convince Barca to cut their losses on their inconsistent forward.
Tottenham and Chelsea need at least another forward after the former lost Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for a club-record fee earlier this month.
Can any of the teams pull off a deal for Ansu Fati? Make sure to let us know in the comments.
