Just after the January window had come to a close, the Catalan media started rumours about Ansu Fati’s future.
The 20-year-old has a contract running until June 2027, and Barcelona have an option for a further two years on top of that.
He’s made 20 La Liga appearances so far this season, but most of those have been substitute roles. That’s encouraged rumours, and Manchester United have been dragged into the picture.
Sunday’s edition of Spanish newspaper AS says the claim of ‘offers’ from Manchester United and Bayern Munich has been pushed by the Catalan medial.
As we’ve previously mentioned, it’s felt like some people in the background at Barcelona were trying to edge the youngster towards the market, to see if there’d be any takers.
That obviously means there’s doubt over the claimed Manchester United ‘offer’, and it’s interesting to note that media close to Bayern quickly dismissed the claims around the German club.
Nevertheless, there’s efforts to keep the story going.
AS say Xavi Hernandez was asked about the situation on Saturday, and the Barcelona manager was angry that it continues to be pushed.
Xavi is quoted as saying: “I don’t understand what we are doing talking about exits or entrances like Ansu’s, I have strong confidence in him. The market has finished in January. There is no one transferable on the team. Ansu is a hope. I repeat, I don’t know what we are doing talking about the market at this point. I have blind trust in him. As with everyone, but especially him. He must be patient and calm. What I do not understand is that these rumours come out of our environment.”
The suspicion would be that Barcelona are open to offers, especially from the likes of Manchester United, but haven’t told their manager yet.
