Barcelona Set to Move On from Ansu Fati Ahead of Summer 2025
FC Barcelona has decided to part ways with Ansu Fati during the upcoming 2025 summer transfer window, whether through a permanent sale or another loan. This move stems from financial considerations and the fact that the forward doesn’t fit into Hansi Flick’s tactical plans.
No Longer in the Club’s Plans
Once tipped as Messi’s successor with the iconic No. 10 shirt, Fati has failed to secure a regular role. Despite his potential, he has only featured for 191 minutes across nine appearances this season, without scoring or assisting. Flick has reportedly stated that only standout performances in training could change Fati’s fate—but he has yet to impress.
Barcelona views his departure as essential to lowering the wage bill and freeing up funds for new additions, like Nico Williams. Fati earns around €14 million gross annually through 2027, making him one of the club’s highest-paid players.
Prefer a Sale, Open to a Loan
The club hopes to sell Fati for €20–30 million but is also open to loaning him out again, as they did with Brighton in 2023. Barcelona may even subsidize part of his wages to make such a deal viable.
There were earlier discussions about extending his contract to 2030 to ease the salary cap impact, but those talks have ended. Since Fati is unwilling to accept a significant pay cut, a departure now seems inevitable.
With LaLiga’s Financial Fair Play regulations looming, offloading Fati is crucial for Barcelona to afford new signings. His market value has plunged from €80 million in 2020 to just €5 million, making a profitable sale difficult.
Clubs Monitoring His Situation
Despite his injury setbacks and underwhelming recent form, several clubs are still interested:
- Juventus: Interested in a loan with an option to buy, seeing Fati as a calculated risk.
- Sevilla: Manager García Pimienta, who once coached Fati at La Masia, believes he can revive Fati’s form in a supportive environment.
- Real Betis: Keen on a loan, especially if Barça covers part of his wages.
- Valencia: Monitoring the situation, but any move depends on player sales.
- Girona: Their playing style suits Fati, though their interest hasn’t gone beyond initial contact.
- West Ham & Tottenham: Both clubs have considered a loan. Fati, however, is reluctant to return to England after a low-impact spell at Brighton.
- Fenerbahçe & Beşiktaş: Expressed interest, but Fati prefers a more competitive league.
- Saudi Clubs: Have made high-paying offers, but Fati aims to stay in Europe to strengthen his national team prospects.
- Benfica: Previously showed interest during the winter window and could revisit talks in the summer, especially with Champions League football on offer.
A Decision Is Near
Both Barcelona and Fati’s camp agree that a resolution will be reached by the end of the 2024–25 season. Their shared goal is to find an outcome that helps the player regain form and allows the club to move forward strategically.
