Ansu Fati's case is starting to take on worrying overtones. What was initially considered a rough patch at Barcelona with Hansi Flick has become a broader reality. The problem wasn't the German coach, but the player himself.
The young forward was the great hope for the blaugrana after Leo Messi's departure. He even inherited his number 10 jersey. But now he's going through a delicate sporting moment that not even a change of scenery has managed to solve.
His arrival at Monaco was supposed to be a turning point, but the reality is that the ordeal continues.
Complaints in Barcelona and problems in Monaco
Ansu complained in Barcelona about the squad's lack of physical demands. He felt that the training didn't benefit him and that he couldn't find his best form.
Meanwhile, Flick reproached him for his lack of intensity in training. He used the team's overall image as an example, as last season it won three titles with impeccable physical performance.
The truth is that, while his teammates showed they were in top condition, the Spanish forward was left behind. That difference in preparation and effort began to create an increasingly insurmountable gap with the rest of the group.
Three matchdays and no Ligue 1 debut
Monaco welcomed him with excitement. With a purchase option valued at €11 million that could secure his future away from Camp Nou. However, the start of the season in France couldn't have been worse for him.
In the first three Ligue 1 matchdays, Ansu Fati hasn't even been drafted, remaining out of his coach's plans.
The situation is very revealing. The Monegasque club had trusted his talent and the possibility of relaunching his career. But the lack of physical rhythm and the inability to reach the level of his teammates have made it clear that history is repeating itself.
An increasingly uncertain future
Monaco is watching his situation with suspicion. The purchase option, which seemed reasonable at first, is now seen as a risk not worth taking.
If the player can't radically turn his career around, it's most likely that his loan will end without continuity. He'll have to return to Barcelona without having proved anything, as already happened to him at Brighton.
Ansu Fati risks going down in history as an eternal promise. For now, neither at Barça nor at Monaco has he managed to find the consistency needed to rebuild his career.
At Barça they're worried that Monaco will back out and not exercise the purchase option. At Camp Nou they can't take on Ansu Fati's €12 million salary in their wage bill.