Barça has its qualification for the next phase of the Champions ready, so the match against Atalanta is a mere formality. Many fans expected surprises in Hansi Flick's line-up, with the appearance of several of the less regular players. However, the German has been clear and has it clear:this match is key in case Liverpool falls, so rotations, just the right ones.
Ansu Fati has given a good account of this, whose presence in this match against Atalanta seemed to have gained ground in recent hours. However, the youth player has remained on the bench again, having only started once so far this season. Ansu started in the tenth matchday of LaLiga, in a match that ended 5-1 against Sevilla.
Hansi Flick's plan with Ansu Fati is clear: he has the doors of Barça wide open. He doesn't count on him and considers that the best for his development, at 22 years old, is to go out on loan. However, from the sports management, for this to happen, they want his next destination to cover his entire signed salary, which is not easy.
Ansu Fati, key for the addition Hansi Flick is looking for
Hansi Flick is clear about the replacement he wants for the rest of the season: Marcus Rashford. The main problem is that his arrival is very complicated, being subject to a significant departure. Being back in the 1:1 rule, Barça can spend everything it earns and, therefore, if Ansu Fati leaves, the Englishman could be registered.
Ansu Fati's is one of the highest salaries in Barça's team and he has a contract until 2027. If he were to leave and his salary were fully covered, there would be enough space to register Rashford.
Marcus has a requirement to accept FC Barcelona's proposal. If the winter market ends on February 3, he wants to sign a week before. And he wants to be guaranteed that he will be registered.
He knows the recent background and doesn't want to find himself in the same situation as Dani Olmo. He doesn't want to waste time sitting in the stands. If he comes to Barça, it's to play, regardless of the bureaucratic problems the club may have.
This new benching of Ansu Fati could open the doors for him: the youth player already knows he won't play with Hansi Flick. Against Atalanta, a new demonstration...