Manchester United's 'Shocking Move' For Lionel Messi's 'Successor' Reportedly Rejected By Barcelona

Barcelona has decided to keep Lionel Messi’s successor and rejected Manchester United’s shocking offer.

The Catalans have been vocal about their plans to put almost all their playing squad up for sale and have been in financial turmoil following the coronavirus pandemic. Despite being open to dealing most of their players, there has been a select few who have been ruled out for transfer. Evidently, captain Messi is a no-brainer, and recent reports claimed that his touted successor, Ansu Fati, will also stay at Camp Nou.

Fati has had an impressive first-team run for Barcelona this season. After being handed his first-team debut at the age of 16 back in August, Fati has proven that he could Barca’s future superstar. The teen winger scored in just his second first-team appearance and followed it up with a goal and assist in a 5-2 win over Valencia. Another notable performance came when Barcelona was drawing 1-1 with Inter Milan in their must-win tie. Fati was sent on and scored within 60 seconds to hand the Catalans a vital victory.

Fati’s impeccable season didn’t go unnoticed as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund have considered him as a potential replacement for Jadon Sancho, who has been heavily linked to a move to Manchester United.

However, according to Spanish outlet Sport Man, United has now emerged as a suitor of Fati. Reports claimed that the Red Devils made a “shock move” for Fati and poised the youngster to be their all-time record scorer. The report further noted that the offer reached €100 million ($112.8 million). However, United’s attempt failed as Barcelona reportedly rejected the offer and is determined to keep Fati.

It has also been said that Barca is not considering loaning Fati either for the time being as they want him to follow the footsteps of Messi as well as Camp Nou legends like Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez.

The Catalan club wants Fati to continue alternating between the first and second teams in the coming seasons. What’s even more thrilling about the Guinea-Bissau native is that he is expected to become one of the most expensive players in the future.

At second team, Fati is already worth €170 million ($184 million). This amount is his price tag even before he completes his final installation in the first team. Once he becomes a part of the first team, Fati’s worth is expected to balloon up to a staggering €400 million ($433 million).