Ansu Fati says goodbye to FC Barcelona once again, this time, his destination will be AS Monaco, where he will play on loan for a full season. The agreement between both clubs is now official and puts an end to a period of uncertainty for the young forward. The player was not part of Hansi Flick's plans for the new blaugrana project.
The loan includes an option for continuity if Ansu's performance meets the expectations of the Monegasque side. Although this is not a loan with a mandatory purchase option, AS Monaco reserves the possibility of extending the deal if the player's numbers support it. For now, Barça and the club from the Principality will share the footballer's salary.
The deal is finalized at a key moment for all parties, Barcelona needed to reduce its wage bill and free up space in an increasingly competitive attack. Meanwhile, Ansu was looking for playing time and prominence that he was not going to have at Camp Nou. Flick was clear from the moment he arrived: he did not count on him.
He goes to Monaco
The German coach prefers wingers who are more direct, physical, and consistent in one-on-one situations, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres offer him that profile. Even Dani Olmo could have a bigger role. Ansu, who was unable to establish himself after his physical problems, started at a clear disadvantage in this new stage.
Although he showed flashes of his talent last preseason, the loan to Brighton did not change his status, in England he was unable to make the leap that many had hoped for. Injuries once again became a problem and his performance was inconsistent, Barça expected more from him, as did the player's inner circle.
A new stage
Now, Monaco appears as a new opportunity to relaunch his career. The French club will play in European competitions and offers a less media-driven environment, ideal for the forward to regain confidence. At just 22 years old, he still has time to turn his situation around and become the player who dazzled in the blaugrana jersey once again.
In Barça's sporting management, they do not rule out a return if the footballer manages to keep playing regularly, but everything will depend on his progress. For now, a definitive sale is not being considered, although if AS Monaco wants it and his performance justifies it, they could sit down to negotiate at the end of the season. Ansu Fati leaves the club that saw him grow and that one day presented him as Messi's heir.
That jersey with the number "10" weighed too much. He was never able to free himself from the expectations or find his best version after the serious knee injury that marked his career. The chapter with Barça is not completely closed, but now a new one begins in France, with less pressure and a new jersey, Ansu will try to recover his magic.