FC Barcelona continues to face a dilemma with Ansu Fati. What was once a great hope for the club has now become a difficult problem to solve.
Since his debut, the Spanish winger dazzled all the Barça fans, showing a quality and maturity beyond his years. He was considered Messi's heir, and the club didn't hesitate to secure him with a long-term contract.
Complicated situation for Ansu
However, his progress came to a sudden halt with a serious meniscus injury, which forced him to be away from the field for a long time. Since then, he has never been able to regain his best level.
Barça, aware that his salary is one of the highest in the squad, has tried to find him a way out. But Ansu Fati himself has blocked all options.
President Joan Laporta has made it clear that his goal is to lighten the wage bill and recover income with strategic sales. Ansu Fati, with a contract until 2027, continues to occupy one of the highest salaries on the team. Despite his limited participation, his salary remains a financial problem for the club.
The forward started the season with the hope of convincing Flick, but injuries and lack of continuity have been a constant obstacle. Flick bet on him in preseason, but his lack of rhythm and limited contribution have ended up relegating him to the bench. He has even been left out of several call-ups, which makes it clear that his role on the team is increasingly secondary.
Two offers rejected on the last day of the market
During the winter market closure, Barça received two concrete proposals for Ansu Fati, both with Joan Laporta's approval. The first interested party was Benfica, which proposed a loan until the end of the season. However, the Portuguese club was only willing to cover 35% of his salary, something that didn't convince Barça.
The second offer came from Saudi Arabia. Al-Shabab offered 10 million fixed plus 5 in variables, a figure that was seen as an opportunity to free up his salary and generate income. Laporta gave his approval, but the final decision was up to Ansu himself, who rejected both offers and made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Barça.
Barça continues to trust in finding a solution in the summer market. With the need to balance the books and strengthen the squad, the club will prioritize his departure if a suitable offer arrives. The problem lies in that Ansu Fati still doesn't want to leave, even though his role on the team is practically nonexistent.
As the season progresses, the winger will need to reflect on his future. If he continues not to play, it could end up harming his career. Meanwhile, Barça will continue to explore options to find a solution that benefits all parties.