The factor that would be blocking the departure of Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona

As the summer 2024/25 transfer window closure approaches, FC Barcelona is still undecided on what to do with Ansu Fati. Unfortunately, the Barcelona youth product did not have the chance to prove himself in the pre-season under the command of Hansi Flick due to a foot injury that has kept him away from the field until now. This situation has greatly complicated the decision-making process for Barça's sports management regarding what to do with him for this new season.

Initially, everything seemed to indicate that the Bissau-born player, despite having the opportunity to impress the German coach, was mostly destined to be loaned out again this summer, with Sevilla as one of the favorite destinations for him. The Seville team is closely monitoring the forward, and the fact that he passed through the Seville team's academy (2010-2012) somehow links him to the club. Also, the prospect of being coached by a former Barcelona coach like García Pimienta made everything ready for the forward to join the Andalusian squad.

The reason 'blocking' Ansu Fati's departure this summer

However, for now, this plan seems to be on hold. Why? As reported by 'SPORT', the exit of the winger has been halted because the club deems it necessary to retain him until a left winger is signed. With only Ansu Fati as a natural left winger, the need to strengthen the attacking front becomes more pressing, especially considering the difficulties in signing a winger who can reinforce the left flank this summer as Barcelona's options diminish to strengthen that area of the field.

Equally important to note is that, despite his sporting value, keeping Ansu in the squad for the upcoming season would have a significant impact on the team's wage structure. Currently, the forward earns a salary of around 13.9 million euros gross (about 6.7 million net), making him the fourth highest-paid player in the Blaugrana squad, the third if İlkay Gündoğan is not considered, who appears to be close to an agreement with Manchester City.

It remains to be seen how Barcelona will handle this situation, as while the priority seems to be to lighten the wage burden, it is also important to find a destination for Ansu Fati where he can regain his best footballing form. The unsuccessful experience with Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2023/24 season is something both the club and the player wish to avoid, aiming not to continue seeing his market value depreciate rapidly.