Hansi Flick has made it clear since his arrival at Barça that there won't be room for players who aren't in top form or can't compete at the highest level. The German coach is looking to build a solid, balanced, and reliable team, where every piece contributes from the very first minute. That philosophy has shaped the squad planning for the new season.
With 36 footballers in preseason, the coach had to make quick decisions: the priority was to define which players he counted on and who had to leave. Flick insisted that he couldn't afford to keep footballers in the squad who weren't physically and mentally ready to take on the challenge of the upcoming season. Even if in the past they were considered club gems.
He couldn't change his situation
One of the clearest cases is Ansu Fati's. Flick understood from the very beginning that the 22-year-old forward wasn't in a position to contribute at the level Barça demands. During last season, he had already been relegated to an almost testimonial role, with no continuity and without managing to make a difference when he had opportunities.
Constant injuries and a lack of rhythm affected his progress, and the German coach pointed out that his effort in training wasn't enough. For this reason, Joan Laporta and Deco prioritized his departure and finalized a loan to AS Monaco until 2026, with a non-mandatory purchase option. The Principality's team hoped to recover his best version, but the reality has been disappointing.
In preseason friendlies, Fati hasn't played a single minute. In the last match against Torino, he was once again left out of the squad, showing that the problem persists even far from Barcelona.
Future hanging in the air
AS Monaco's coach, Adolf Hütter, has been clear: he believes Ansu Fati still isn't ready to compete and keeps him on a specific physical plan. This situation is causing concern in the player's circle, as he still can't find consistency or confidence to become decisive on the field again. For Barça, the loan was an opportunity to increase his value, but so far nothing has changed.
Even so, the Catalan club isn't considering breaking the loan agreement. There aren't any offers for Ansu and his €12 million salary remains an obstacle for any transfer. Meanwhile, Flick remains firm: he made the right decision by letting him go, and until he manages to recover his level, Ansu Fati will continue to be a problem for Barça.