Ansu Fati almost went to Besiktas in winter: The truth behind the failed transfer

It's no secret to anyone that FC Barcelona has been looking for a new destination for Ansu Fati for some time, a player who, as of today, has only accumulated 191 minutes of play in nine matches. His situation in the culé team has become considerably complicated, as he does not have much prominence in an attack full of talent like that of the azulgrana team, and not even as a revulsive is he a priority option.

Since the past winter market, it was rumored that FC Barcelona had begun to explore various options to allow the departure of its current '10'. In addition to not counting too much in Hansi Flick's sports project, the young left winger represents a significant economic burden on the team's salary scale, being one of the best-paid players on the Barcelona payroll.

Besiktas' interest in Ansu Fati was real

One of the destinations that was mentioned most strongly was a possible transfer to Besiktas of Turkey, led by the former coach of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjær. For a long time, it was speculated that the Ottoman team was interested in signing the azulgrana youth player. This rumor grew in intensity until the transfer market in Turkey closed, which, as is known, closes later than in Spain. While the Spanish market closed on February 3, the Turkish market extended until February 11.

Recently, the president of Besiktas, Serdal Adali, confirmed the club's real interest in Ansu Fati, revealing details about the negotiation. According to Adali, the club was close to closing the transaction: "Fati was in our plans along with Patrick Berg and Samuel Dahl. After the Europa League match against Twente, I intended to bring Fati to Istanbul. We even reached an agreement with Barcelona for his transfer...", he began by saying.

However, one factor ended up blocking the operation: "But on the night of the tournament elimination, we were informed that he would finally not come. The player was very excited and his father was also contacted, but our European exit ruined all the agreements," he concluded. Although not all the details were clarified, it is rumored that the operation would have been carried out under the modality of loan, an option that would have alleviated the salary burden for Barcelona.

Besiktas' elimination and the end of the negotiation

Besiktas' defeat in the group stage of the Europa League on January 30, against Twente, which left them out of European competition. With the Ottoman team without a presence in Europe, the operation lost its appeal, and the 'Black Eagles' finally decided to reinforce their attack with Keny Arroyo for the right wing in the winter market.

Despite this failed interest, the situation of Ansu Fati at FC Barcelona remains uncertain. The striker remains a piece of high potential, but he needs to recover his best level to become relevant again in the attack of the culé team. It remains to be seen if the next transfer market offers a new opportunity for the striker.