Since the start of last season, Xavi Hernandez has been assessing the future of Ansu Fati. The Catalan coach decided that the academy graduate, who had worn the iconic number 10 shirt, was not part of his plans and chose to loan him out to Brighton. However, the loan spell failed to meet expectations, leaving both the player and Barcelona with a sense of missed opportunity.
Although Fati saw playing time in the Premier League, his performances were not impactful. This disappointment only reinforced Xavi’s belief, as he had indicated from the beginning of his tenure at Barcelona that the player needed a change of environment to regain his best form. Under Hansi Flick, the situation has not improved for Fati, and it seems the German coach has also lost confidence in him.
Despite receiving some opportunities, Fati has failed to convince the coaching staff. In a team that demands excellence in every position, his performances have not met the standards required for a club of Barcelona’s stature. As a result, Flick has given his approval for Fati’s departure, a decision that could be finalized in the upcoming winter transfer window.
According to Catalan newspaper *Sport*, Barcelona’s aim is to find a solution that benefits all parties involved. While Deco is working on finding a destination for Fati, the main priority is to place him at a club where he can regain his confidence and play regularly. Teams from La Liga and the Premier League have shown interest, though no formal offers have been made yet. Barcelona is expected to include clauses in any potential loan agreement, such as a buyback option, to maintain some control over the player’s future.
Parting ways with Ansu Fati would mark the end of an important chapter for Barcelona. Initially seen as a potential successor to Lionel Messi, injuries and mounting pressure have stunted his development. With Flick focusing on a squad full of players in peak form, Fati’s departure appears likely. Whether the talented academy graduate can rediscover his form at a new club, away from Camp Nou, remains to be seen.
