BARCELONA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 04: Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group G stage match between FC Barcelona and Dynamo Kyiv at Camp Nou on November 04, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
According to Sport (h/t Mirror), a deal that could take Ansu Fati to Manchester United could still be on the cards. Fati’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was keen on brokering a deal to take the starlet to Manchester United in the summer, only for Barcelona to intervene. However, with Barcelona facing an uncertain financial future, there could be player sales to balance the books.
A product of the famous La Masia academy, Fati has been in the spotlight ever since making his professional debut, the second youngest to do so in the club’s history. The Barcelona youngster caught people’s attention in a 2-2 draw between Osasuna and Barcelona at El Sadar. Fati became the youngest goalscorer in the history of Barcelona.
Days later, the youngster again came to limelight when he became the youngest in the league’s history to find the back of the net and claim an assist in the same game. At 16, Fati also became the youngest to play in the Champions League for Barcelona. He is also the youngest in La Liga to have scored a brace.
The 18-year-old has displayed potential, having played over 1000 minutes in the La Liga and has also had time in the Champions League last season. Fati was called up to the Spain national team earlier this year and already has 4 appearances and one goal for them.
If the Sun is to be believed Manchester United almost came close to securing Ansu Fati’s signing for around £133million. It was only Barcelona who pulled the plug and added a new mammoth release clause to his new contract.
Now the problem is Barcelona find themselves in financial troubles because of the COVID impact. The club might just be required to sell off some of their bigger assets to bring in some cash. Ansu Fati is one of their biggest sellable assets and while they would be right to be perplexed at the decision, they could be left with no choice.
Manchester United have always been a club who have chased the next big thing in football and Ansu Fati is exactly that. At 18 years old, he has the world at his feet and Manchester United could use a signing of his calibre. He has got the potential to become a world beater.
With Barcelona in turmoil, Manchester United should look to exploit the situation. Signing Fati would be a huge coup for the club and they need to keep testing Barca’s resolve in the future.
