Barcelona winger has resolved to call time on his Barcelona career this summer after losing confidence in his future under manager Hansi Flick.
His disillusionment reached its peak after appearing in just a four-minute Champions League cameo against Borussia Dortmund – his first since January.
Although fully fit, the Spanish international has played just 28 minutes for Flick, something that has left his camp perplexed.
According to Diario Sport, the player is Ansu Fati.
Fati’s agents had rejected January loan approaches after being assured of improved opportunities in the future, only to see things deteriorate further.
The 21-year-old winger, who was previously touted as Lionel Messi’s replacement at Camp Nou, has asked agent Jorge Mendes to complete a permanent deal after months of disillusionment over his limited playing time.
Barcelona’s hierarchy is now faced with a crucial decision regarding their erstwhile golden boy.
Despite the club’s desire to retain Fati’s talent, financial pressures and Flick’s alleged loss of confidence in the player tip the balance in favor of a summer sale.
The La Masia graduate’s €7 million annual salary and demands for regular first-team football only compound the issue.
Having become Barcelona’s youngest goal-scorer, Fati’s career has been derailed by a string of knee issues since his 2019 debut.
His market value dropped from a peak of €80 million to approximately an estimated €25-30 million, but Mendes believes Premier League sides may still be willing to pay top whack to have him in their squad.
For Ansu Fati, it is an opportunity to begin again in the shadow of Camp Nou.
For Barcelona, it is a cash bonanza and the conclusion of a project so full of promise.
With the summer window approaching, all seems set for a breakup unthinkable two years ago when Fati wore Messi’s legendary number 10 jersey.
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