FC Barcelona Rumors: 'Untouchable' Forward Won't Leave Camp Nou In Summer Transfer Window
KEY POINTS
- Barcelona says Ansu Fati is "untouchable" in the upcoming summer transfer window
- Fati has gained interest from several other clubs, according to his agent
- Fati has become the youngest to ever score in the Champions League
Ansu Fati is not going anywhere. The 17-year-old forward is tagged as "untouchable" by FC Barcelona as the Spanish club does not plan to ship him in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Amidst concerns about the lack of minutes playing alongside top-tier teammates, the Guinea-Bissau-born footballer is assured that La Blaugrana is invested in him with Quique Setién even citing he has the youngster on his plans moving forward.
According to Lluís Miguelsanz of Sport, Fati, while guaranteed a spot for the first team this year, will still be assigned to help Barca B’s campaign for a playoff run in July. He is expected to make a full time move to the first team next season where his €170 million release clause would rise to €400 million.
With Barcelona taking a massive economic blow due to the Coronavirus crisis, it is interesting that they have remained firm on keeping Fati despite numerous offers from other clubs willing to acquire the rising teenager via a loan.
“In recent weeks, Barca have received a lot of offers. Jorge Mendes even called with a big offer from a Premier League club. Barca's delicate financial situation has not even changed their stance, though,” Miguelsanz wrote. “The coaching staff believe he has huge potential and room to improve. Physically he has struggled at times but that's normal for a kid of 17 who is still growing.”
Barcelona staying stiff-necked not to entertain suitors for Fati has gained the appreciation of the latter’s family, including his father Bori, who said his son shares a mutual feeling with his ball club.
"To hear how players like Messi, (Carles) Puyol, (Samuel) Eto'o or Pique talk about Ansu...we are very grateful. I know that Barcelona fans love Ansu very much. He loves them too. He knows it, although he is a child," Bori told Radio Barcelona.
Not even a year since signing his first professional contract to play for the Catalans, Fati has already shown a glimpse of what could be a legendary soccer career in the offing. He instantly made the record books in September as he became the youngest player in franchise history to score a goal in La Liga. In December, he also became the youngest to score in the Champions League as Barcelona defeated Inter Milan, 1-2.
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