Barcelona homegrown prodigy Ansu Fati could be on his way out of La Liga in the summer, with Manchester United reportedly in the driver’s seat to capture him if extension talks come a cropper.
According to Diario SPORT, the 20-year-old’s representative Jorge Mendes has already made contact with the Red Devils to discuss the prospect of taking his client to Old Trafford.
Despite having over four years left to run on his contract at Spotify Camp Nou, the highly-rated youngster could hit the road at the end of this season after tumbling down the pecking order.
Widely considered Lionel Messi’s long-term heir at Barcelona, Fati took the coveted No 10 jersey following the Argentine’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
But instead of establishing himself as a new leader of Xavi Hernandez’s new-look Barca squad, the super-talented Spaniard has disappeared from the stage this term.
Having spent most of the season playing second fiddle to the likes of Raphinha, Gavi and Ferran Torres, Fati seems to have had enough as he looks to change the air to get his career back on the rails.
As recently pointed out by the player’s father Bori (via Fabrizio Romano), it’s unacceptable for a player of Ansu’s talent and stature to be a benchwarmer.
Fati’s limited playing time at Barcelona has forced Mendes’ hand, with the Portuguese super agent already casting a wide net in the Premier League to secure his client a lucrative switch should he decide to leave Camp Nou.
Man United are top of the queue, while Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United remain back-up options if talks with the Red Devils go sideways.
Erik ten Hag’s well-known affection for prodigious up-and-comers could play a pivotal role in convincing Fati to choose United, provided his father’s recent statement falls on Barcelona’s deaf ears.
Although the Dutchman’s focus is currently on extending Marcus Rashford’s contract, the Red Devils always keep a watchful eye on presentable opportunities in the transfer market.
