In what was one of Barcelona’s worst performances of the season, the team struggled to a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at the Montjuïc Stadium, disappointing fans who had hoped to extend their lead over Real Madrid, who had suffered an unexpected loss to Valencia in the same round. This match was seen as an opportunity for Barcelona to strengthen their position at the top, but their lackluster performance squandered that chance.
Following the draw against Real Betis, reports from Spanish newspaper El Nacional suggest that Ansu Fati’s time at Barcelona is coming to an end. The young forward, a product of La Masia, is expected to be the first player sold in the upcoming summer transfer window. Fati’s situation has been complicated for months, and with the arrival of Hansi Flick as coach, it has been made clear that he is not in the German manager’s plans for next season.
Flick has been direct in his assessment: “He does not rely on Ansu Fati.” Barcelona’s management, led by Deco, has received the message and is actively working on a permanent transfer for the player, rather than loaning him out again, as was the case with his brief stint at Brighton.
Fati’s time at Barcelona has been one of unfulfilled promise. Initially hailed as the “heir to Messi” after receiving the iconic number 10 shirt, a series of injuries stunted his development. Despite several opportunities to regain his early form, Fati has struggled to make a significant impact.
Flick’s fast-paced, high-intensity style of play demands a level of physicality and explosiveness from his wingers, qualities that Fati has been unable to consistently deliver. With competition from players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, and potential interest in Nico Williams, Fati’s future at Barcelona appears increasingly uncertain.
It seems the chapter of Ansu Fati at Barcelona, which once held so much promise, is nearing its end. Unless there are last-minute changes, Fati is set to be one of the first to depart this summer, signaling the beginning of a new phase for both his career and Barcelona under the guidance of Hansi Flick.
