Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, shared his intent for a young striker having a tough time getting a significant role under Hansi Flick.
With a summer transfer window in 2025 fast approaching, the club has to work within its fiscal limitations while being competitive in La Liga.
Deco’s comments addressed a practical combination of player development and player optimization while preparing for some new signings.
The player is Ansu Fati, the 23-year-old Spanish forward, dealt with injuries and very little playing time.
According to Fabrio Romano, Deco was clear about Fati’s viability in the market, stating, “With his age and career, Ansu Fati can’t stay without playing… If he leaves, it will be on loan.
He has a long way to develop and learn.” Despite no minutes played, Fati is on a contract until 2027, and this has drawn attention from Monaco, who are likely to be the only option in a loan move.
Deco’s thoughts on Fati indicate that he still believes in Fati’s superior level link-up play and that he can understand space and occupy it.
That being said, he has lost pace since the injuries he suffered in his past.
Flick’s unremitting squad overhaul from summer, including the possible exits of Frenkie de Jong and Oriol Romeu, demonstrates the need for financial freedom to make new signings.
Fati’s exit, even temporarily, may help Barcelona’s wage bill and also allow the young star to regain some form elsewhere.
Deco’s focus was on development, and allowing Fati to be a part of the Barcelona future, whilst getting valuable experience is beneficial for all parties.
As Barcelona look to build on the titles they secured in 2024-25, notably in La Liga and Copa del Rey, Fati’s future will be a test of how they will be able to develop players in a competitive market with the added pressures of financial limits.
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