Barcelona forward Ansu Fati was heavily linked with a move away this summer, but with a foot injury ruling him out for two months in preseason, the Catalan side decided to give him a chance to make his way back to his best self. However two months into the new campaign, Fati remains short of game time.
The 21-year-old has not played regular football for years, and there is little sign of that happening any time soon either. So far he has seen just 51 minutes of action from the bench in three appearances, where he had little opportunity to make an impact. As per Diario AS, Fenerbahce and Jose Mourinho will come calling for him in January.
The Turkish giants were linked with a move for him in the summer, as were Sevilla, and Sporting Director Mario Branco is planning on getting in touch with his agents in the coming weeks to see if they would be interested in a move.
Fati’s lack of minutes could take a jump in the coming weeks with the absence of Ferran Torres through injury, and a growing need to rotate Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. The likes Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo will also be back though, and they could well be used in the positions Ansu might take up, while Pau Victor has shown more than Ansu in his minutes so far.
Ansu Fati in line for first Barcelona start in 17 months
It’s been a tough start to life back at Barcelona for Ansu Fati. Despite showing promise during pre-season, a foot injury saw him lose prominence in the eyes of head coach Hansi Flick. However, things could begin to start looking up for the 21-year-old winger.
Fati has yet to start for Barcelona since recovery from injury, and he has been reduced to only three cameo appearances (vs Monaco, Young Boys and Alaves). However, with Ferran Torres out for the next 4-6 weeks, his time could be now.
Sport say that it will be between Fati and Pau Victor to start on the left wing against Sevilla this weekend. In fact, both could start if Lamine Yamal is unable to feature after suffering discomfort whilst playing for Spain on Saturday.
Flick should be able to call upon Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez this weekend, although it’s unlikely that either would be risked from the start. As such, Fati has his best chance yet to start for Barcelona for the first time since May 2023.
