Barcelona have completed the permanent transfer of winger Ansu Fati to Ligue 1 side Monaco for a fee of €11 million, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The Catalan club will also retain a sell-on clause for the 23-year-old.
Fati, once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi at the Camp Nou, joined Monaco after a period where he struggled to establish himself as a key player for Barcelona. He spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, but failed to recapture his best form, despite scoring 11 goals in 25 league appearances for Monaco last season.
The sale is a significant step for Barcelona as they aim to achieve a 1:1 financial ratio, allowing them greater flexibility in the transfer market. According to Romano, the club can now focus on the departure of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as a free agent. This will free up funds to pursue Atletico Madrid attacker Julian Alvarez, who is their primary target to fill the No.9 role.
Barcelona also have other targets in mind, including Bernardo Silva as a free agent and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. A central defender is also reportedly on their shopping list for the summer transfer window. Maximizing revenue through player sales is crucial for the club’s ambitious plans.
Fati’s journey at Barcelona began promisingly, breaking into the first team in 2019 and eventually inheriting the iconic No.10 jersey previously worn by Messi. He expressed his desire to spend his entire career at the club, stating in an interview with Canal +: “In my head I have it very clear. I hope to have the chance to spend my whole career here.” However, a series of injuries significantly hampered his development and ultimately led to his departure.
Despite the disappointment of seeing Fati leave, Barcelona will hope he can rediscover his form at Monaco, potentially benefiting from the new management under Filipe Luis and the financial reward of the sell-on clause.
