Ansu Fati is expected to make a brief appearance in Barcelona’s final home game, a celebratory yet bittersweet occasion as the club prepares to part ways with the 22‑year‑old winger. Back from his loan at Brighton, Fati is no longer in Barça’s long‑term plans. Although he rejected several January moves, the club and his agent, Jorge Mendes, have since been working on an exit strategy.
Barcelona’s priority is to shed Fati’s sizeable wages to free up room for new signings. A permanent transfer—possibly at a cut‑rate fee—is preferred, but the board is open to creative solutions, such as the contract‑extension‑and‑loan model previously used with Samuel Umtiti and Clément Lenglet. Mendes is now gauging interest from clubs in Spain, Italy, Germany, and the Middle East; Benfica and Sporting CP have already shown signs of intent.
Fati’s comeback never took off. Hansi Flick initially entertained keeping him, but by December the coaching staff decided he would not be part of next season’s squad. Flick’s public criticism rankled Fati’s camp, who insist he is fully fit and ready.
With a contract running until 2028, Fati’s future depends on finding a financially workable deal. Barcelona must balance sentiment for a La Masia graduate with the need to lighten the wage bill—making the final home match a likely farewell for a player once billed as the club’s next superstar.
