Nobody at FC Barcelona expected the decision Hansi Flick made last match against Athletic Club. This player is part of the drafting and in full physical condition. Despite that, the coach decided to leave Ansu Fati out of the starting eleven and off the bench in Saudi Arabia. This even surprised the player, who is in top physical condition and ready to feel prominent.
After the match against Athletic Club, Helena Condis provided more information on this matter on COPE. The journalist was blunt, stating that Ansu Fati was "caught by surprise" by Hansi Flick's decision to leave him out of the match. He had no discomfort, wasn't injured, and was perfectly fine, but even so he was left out by the coach.
Ansu Fati watched the match from the stands alongside injured Christensen, alongside Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. The Spanish forward has "the feeling" that Barça wants to sell or loan him this winter market but the reality is that he knows where his future lies. All he wants is to keep playing at FC Barcelona; despite Hansi Flick's decision, he isn't thinking about leaving.
Hansi Flick Prepares Ansu Fati's Departure: He was Offered to Another LaLiga Team
Until now, it seemed that Ansu Fati's most likely destination, if he were to leave, was in Spain. Everyone placed him at Sevilla, although this possibility has changed due to recent events. Being one of the teams that fought the hardest to prevent the registrations of Olmo and Pau Víctor, Barça has decided to cut ties.
As a power move, Barça has offered Ansu Fati to the Andalusians' great rival: Betis. El Correo has revealed that the Spaniard's name has been put forward to Benito Villamarín as a loan. The plan is for him to play, with a high percentage of his salary—currently at 6 million euros net—being paid.
Betis would be willing to pay only 20% of his current salary, something FC Barcelona would accept. What Ansu Fati needs is regularity and to play a lot. Hansi Flick has already made clear that won't happen while he leads the Barça bench. The latest example is in the Super Cup semifinals, where he was left out of the team entirely.