Talented forward Ansu Fati has bid farewell to Barcelona for the remainder of the season. The 20-year-old prodigy will be joining Brighton on loan until June 2024. Ansu Fati’s decision to seek more playing time and a more prominent role has led to his departure from the Catalan club.
Despite initially expressing his desire to stay at Barcelona, Ansu Fati has ultimately decided to embark on a new journey. He has heeded the advice of those around him, who have encouraged him to explore new opportunities in order to gain valuable minutes on the field. In the three La Liga matches played so far, the young international has not been named in the starting lineup and has only accumulated a total of 47 minutes on the pitch – 11 against Getafe, 22 against Cádiz, and 14 against Villarreal. Despite Raphinha’s two-match suspension, Ansu Fati was not given the chance to start, as Xavi instead opted for the 16-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal.
The lack of significant playing time and the anticipated limited opportunities throughout the season have prompted Ansu Fati to consider the offers that have come his way in the final days of the transfer window. Ultimately, he has chosen Brighton, where he hopes to play a more important role and become a standout player under the guidance of Roberto de Zerbi.
It is important to note that Ansu Fati’s departure from Barcelona is a loan move and not a permanent transfer. He will return to the Blaugrana in June 2024. At Barcelona, as Xavi has reiterated on several occasions, Ansu Fati is considered a valuable asset. In fact, the club rejected a staggering offer of €150 million for him in 2020. Less than a year ago, he signed a contract extension until June 2027 and was protected by a release clause of €1 billion. However, this summer, his status as an untouchable player changed.
Ansu Fati made his debut for the first team during the 2019-2020 season, and his progression has been nothing short of meteoric, despite battling knee injuries. However, the fierce competition in Barcelona’s forward line has hindered his development, prompting him to seek opportunities away from home this season.
Since his debut in the 2019-2020 season, Ansu Fati has featured in 112 matches for Barcelona, scoring 29 goals and providing 10 assists.
BREAKING: Brighton are closing in on Ansu Fati deal as Barça are prepared to accept the formal proposal received on loan 🚨🔵 #BHAFC
Ansu Fati has accepted Brighton as destination — De Zerbi, key factor.
Final green light soon and then here we go ⏳🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/aHFWZcCIER
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2023
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