Ansu Fati's exit operation to Monaco has taken a surprising turn in Barça's offices. The club immediately rejected the French team's first offer, considering it insufficient. Joan Laporta has decided to halt the transfer until all necessary guarantees are in place.
Barcelona isn't hiding its intention to keep control over the player's future. It is demanding a buy-back option, as well as contractual flexibility. There are two key points that, for now, are making the agreement difficult.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Salary row and conditional loan
Monaco's initial proposal consisted of a loan, but it didn't include full payment of Ansu's salary. With his contract extended until 2027, his wage is one of the highest in the squad. Barça has made it clear that if he leaves, it must be with no salary cost for the club.
Ansu Fati won't enter any loan deal if Monaco doesn't guarantee full payment of his wages. That has been the non-negotiable condition imposed by Laporta. His camp also supports this stance, aware that a mandatory salary reduction would be humiliating for the academy graduate.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Despite the initial rejection, Monaco is considering submitting an improved offer soon. Sources indicate that talks are still ongoing, and the second attempt will include significant changes. One of the elements to be adjusted will be the loan, which would include a mandatory purchase option based on Ansu's performance.
Another key point to solve will be the price of that purchase right. Barça wants to set it at at least €15 million, while Monaco isn't willing to pay more than €12 million. The tension between both figures is defining the pace of negotiations.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @FCBarcelona
Tax urgency and tight deadlines
The deadline to close the matter is expiring very soon: Ansu needs to solve his contractual situation before June 30, for tax reasons. Otherwise, he could lose significant tax reconciliation benefits. This urgency is encouraging the French club to speed up, while Barça is taking advantage to impose its conditions.
The player shares that urgency to move forward, although he also wants to do so under dignified conditions. Therefore, both parties have opposing incentives but with some room to reach an agreement. The key will be the player's final word on whether he accepts a salary reduction or demands that Monaco cover the actual cost.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @FCBarcelona_es
The Monegasque salary cap, together with its tax benefits, make its position in the negotiation easier. However, its ability to fully cover Ansu's wage is still uncertain. Barça expects Monaco to commit or for the footballer to agree to reduce his salary.
The player has already been informed that there is a possibility his salary could be reduced or, failing that, the loan could be halted. If not accepted, Ansu would have to stay at Barça at least until January, when another transfer window opens. All this while he keeps up his competitive contribution and the progress demanded by Flick.
Ansu Fati with Barça | @ansufati
Keys to the outcome
In these days, Monaco's second offer will set the final tone. If it improves the financial agreement and secures the salary aspect, it could become a loan with a future. Otherwise, Barça won't give in to its demands, and the academy graduate will remain at the club until January or beyond, when options will reopen.
Meanwhile, Ansu is still training as usual with the first team, awaiting decisions. His performance will be decisive: if Flick considers him useful, he'll stay in the squad. If not, his cycle at Camp Nou will be extended without real prominence.
Meanwhile, there are other teams in Spain very interested in case the deal doesn't go through, such as Sevilla and Valencia. Both clubs would welcome the arrival of Barça's academy graduate on loan
