Ansu Fati can't escape the nightmare that's been haunting him for several seasons. The forward, loaned by Barça to Monaco, still hasn't made his debut in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, doubts are starting to grow in Barcelona about his true professional future.
The Principality's team is experiencing a promising start, with victories that keep it at the top of the table. However, the downside is the testimonial role of the Equatoguinean-Spanish striker. The player isn't part of his new coach's immediate plans and has gone weeks without playing.
A calvary that doesn't end
The situation is all too reminiscent of what happened at Camp Nou during the last stage. There, Hansi Flick ended up systematically leaving him out, forcing him to look for a loan that would give him opportunities. Monaco was the chosen destination, but so far expectations have fallen far short of being met.
Ansu hasn't just been left out of the starting line-up, but also out of several matchday squads at the start of the league. There have already been three Ligue 1 matchdays and eight preseason friendlies with no sign of the forward. At the Monegasque club, they explain that it's a decision that's been agreed upon and comes with a specific plan.
The goal is clear: to recover the footballer physically and mentally before he competes. Nobody wants to take risks with a player marked by injuries and a lack of continuity. But patience is starting to wear thin among fans who expected more from such a high-profile signing.
A tailored recovery plan
According to sources in the Principality, Ansu is following an individualized program designed by the technical and medical staff. The idea is for him to be ready for the resumption after the international break in better condition. The match against Auxerre, after the international break, appears as a possible debut date.
Last season, the striker played just 298 minutes in official competitions. Now, the intention is for him to gradually feel important again without rushing any stages. However, time is ticking and the pressure is mounting both in Monaco and in Barcelona.
Within the Barça board, there's concern about the lack of continuity of one of its greatest talents. The player, who made his debut at just 16 years old, seemed destined to lead a new era. But injuries and a loss of confidence have completely changed his trajectory.
Concern in Barcelona
What worries Barça most isn't just the lack of minutes, but the risk of stagnation. The loan was supposed to serve as a platform to regain confidence, but the scenario has quickly taken a turn for the worse. If the situation doesn't change, the club could reconsider his future sooner than desired.
This is where the winter transfer window comes into play, where everything is open again. Barça is watching closely, knowing that the loan can be cut short if there's no progress. Some European clubs are already considering signing him if the relationship with Monaco fails.
In the footballer's circle, there's fear that his adventure in France won't end well. The recovery plan may work, but time and media pressure are clear enemies. If he can't establish himself, another change of destination in January could be inevitable.
In Barcelona, they fear that if he doesn't find continuity, Ansu Fati will be forced to seek a move to the Premier League, where clubs are already monitoring his situation. His future is hanging in the air again and Barça is starting to accept that everything could fall apart once more.