FC Barcelona closed the season in the best possible way: scoring a brace at home. With La Liga and Copa del Rey in their hands, Hansi Flick's team celebrated a remarkable campaign with their fans in Montjuïc. There were fireworks, hugs, music, and an elated locker room.
But amid the joy, there was a gesture that didn't go unnoticed. One of the fans' most beloved players was on the bench, without minutes, without prominence. The applause he received at the end, although heartfelt, also sounded like a farewell.
Group photo with the title and the entire team | @FCBarcelona
The silence that said it all
The footballer in question didn't participate in the last match of the season. Despite the festive context and the solved result, Hansi Flick didn't give him a single minute.
The stands looked at him with nostalgia. He was the only one not fully smiling. From the coaching staff, they spoke of "technical decisions," but the feeling was clear: His time at Barça had ended.
The scorers from the previous matchday were repeated | @FCBarcelona
For months, Al-Nassr representatives have been following the player's every move. Last summer they already tried to take him, without success. But now, with his role vanished in the team, things have changed.
This season he has only played 184 minutes. Injuries, the coach's lack of trust, and pressure have taken their toll. At Barça, they no longer see him as part of the future, and his entourage knows it.
La Liga celebration | @FCBarcelona
Jorge Mendes activates the exit operation
The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, has accelerated the contacts. Al-Nassr has put an offer close to 15 million euros on the table. Barça, in need of freeing up salary mass, has given the green light to the operation.
In Arabia, they not only offer him minutes and prominence. They also offer economic stability and an environment without the media pressure of Camp Nou. For someone who needs to recover sensations, that is key.
FC Barcelona | @FCBarcelona
As if all that weren't enough, there's another factor that has sealed the deal. In that locker room is Cristiano Ronaldo, his childhood idol. Sharing a team with him is a dream that has weighed in the decision.
The contract is practically closed. Only the signature is missing. The official announcement will be made in the coming days, when the season concludes at the institutional level.
Lamine Yamal in a training session | @FCBarcelona
Lamine Yamal, the most affected one in the locker room
In the Barça locker room, one of the most affected by this departure is Lamine Yamal. He was the first to find out and also the one who has accompanied him the most in these last days.
During yesterday's victory lap, they shared several hugs. There were no words, but the look said it all, it was a silent farewell. Lamine, who even gave him the number 10 jersey, experienced it with contained emotion.
Although the stadium wasn't the same, the fans replied. In Montjuïc, cheers were heard when his name appeared on the screen. The public doesn't forget who he was.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @FCBarcelona
From child prodigy to symbol of a transition era. His story at Barça had it all: glory, injuries, pressure, and affection. Although he leaves far away, no one can take away what he lived.
The heir of the number 10, the great hope of the post-Messi eralived his last day as a Barça player. Without noise and without goals. Only with the certainty that a new stage begins.
Ansu Fati will play in Saudi Arabia. He will share a team with Cristiano Ronaldo. From there, he will seek to rediscover his best version... and his own story.
