Ansu Fati, a Barcelona homegrown prodigy, could be on his way out of La Liga this summer, with Manchester United reportedly in pole position to sign him if extension talks fail.
According to Diario SPORT, the 20-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has already spoken with the Red Devils about the possibility of bringing his client to Old Trafford.
Despite having more than four years left on his contract at Spotify Camp Nou, the highly-rated youngster could leave at the end of the season after falling down the pecking order.
Fati, widely regarded as Lionel Messi’s long-term heir at Barcelona, took over the coveted No. 10 jersey when the Argentine moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
But, rather than establishing himself as the new leader of Xavi Hernandez’s revamped Barcelona squad, the super-talented Spaniard has vanished from the scene this season.
Fati appears to have had enough of playing second fiddle to the likes of Raphinha, Gavi, and Ferran Torres this season, and is looking to change the air to get his career back on track.
As the player’s father Bori recently stated (via Fabrizio Romano), it is 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 a lucrative switch for his client if he decides to leave Camp Nou.
Man United are first in line, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle United as backup options if talks with the Red Devils fail.
Erik ten Hag’s well-known fondness for prodigious up-and-comers could play a key role in convincing Fati to choose United, assuming his father’s recent statement falls on deaf ears at Barcelona.
Although the Dutchman is currently focused on extending Marcus Rashford’s contract, the Red Devils are always on the lookout for promising transfer opportunities.
