Barcelona Wonderkid’s Father Responds To Manchester United's $168M Bid For The Young Winger: Report

Ansu Fati’s father has dismissed rumors about his son’s possible move to Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 17-year-old forward has been heavily linked with Man Utd and the rumors got stronger when it was earlier reported that the Red Devils had approached Barcelona with a bid of $168 million for the U-21 Spain national.

However, it is also believed that Fati has rejected any possible link with Man Utd in the near future as he is looking to sign a long-term contract with Barcelona. It is also understood that if Fati signs a new contract with the Catalans, his release clause can shoot up to at least $449 million.

The 17-year-old forward, who made his senior debut earlier this season, has since scored six goals in as many as 26 appearances in all tournaments. It has been a breakthrough year for the teenager, who has attracted interest from several top clubs including Man Utd but is expected to remain with the Nou Camp side.

Reacting to the recent rumors involving Fati and Man Utd, the player’s father, Bori Fati, has said that even though Fati cannot be a regular starter at Barcelona right now, they are not planning to sell him to another club any time soon.

“Ansu can't be a starter at Barca right now. I've always been happy since my son is at Barca ... I know nothing about Manchester United. Ansu and I are comfortable here in Barcelona. Everyone that leaves Barca then wants to come back,” Barcelona wonderkid’s father told Cadena Ser.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s director Xavier Vilajoana has also said the club will not be cashing in on Fati.

“For us, there’s no story with Ansu, we have never spoken about selling him. We won’t use players from the academy to make cash. In principle, we have no intention of selling the players we believe will make the first team,” Vilajoana said of Fati, who is being considered to be Lionel Messi’s successor at Barcelona.

The young winger, for his ability to play on either wing or as a center-forward, has believed to have impressed his captain too.

“He’s an amazing player and he’s got what it takes to succeed. But if I look at it through my eyes, I’d like them to bring him on gradually, as they did with me when I started, taking things nice and easy and without putting pressure on him,” said Messi, who has been associated with Barcelona since he was 13.