FC Barcelona is going through tense times and one of the protagonists of this situation is Ansu Fati.
Despite being one of the highest-paid players in the squad, his performance hasn't matched the expectations of the club or the fans. Hansi Flick, the team's new manager, is taking note of the situation and is expected to intervene.
Ansu Fati: a Disproportionate Salary
Ansu Fati has long been considered one of the great prospects of Spanish soccer. However, after several injuries, he's lost much of his explosiveness.
Ansu Fati's current salary is 14 million euros gross per year, making him the highest-paid youngster at Barça. This, however, has started to be a problem in the dressing room. While Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong are undisputed starters, Ansu Fati has become a regular substitute.
The Dark Side of Injuries
Injuries have had a terrible effect on Ansu Fati. Despite having recovered some of his previous form, he is no longer seen as the difference-making player he was in his early days.
Every time he steps onto the field, there's a lot of expectation, but he often fails to live up to expectations. This lack of prominence not only affects his career, but also creates tensions in the Barça dressing room.
This season the player isn't getting many minutes, which has led him to expressing his dissatisfaction. Fati, who wants to be a pillar for the team, sees how other youngsters like Lamine Yamal, who earns less, are gaining prominence and confidence from the coach.
Lamine Yamal: Barça's New Idol
Lamine Yamal has become one of the great revelations of FC Barcelona. With a salary of 1,670,000 euros, his performance on the field has been impressive, which has generated a notable contrast with Ansu Fati's.
Yamal has established himself as a key player in Hansi Flick's system and has been praised for his skill and determination. This new status could prove to be a point of friction within the dressing room, especially when comparing their salaries.
Tensions in the Locker Room
The disparity in salaries and performance is creating a tense atmosphere at Barça. Ansu Fati finds himself in an awkward position, as his salary is a constant topic of conversation among his teammates.
The fact that a player who isn't performing at the expected level earns so much money can lead to resentment. Players who earn less but are regular starters may feel that their efforts are not adequately rewarded.
Uncertain Future for Ansu Fati
Barcelona's management had already considered the possibility of selling Ansu Fati in previous seasons. Now, the situation seems to be repeating itself.
The club can't afford to keep a player on such a high salary who isn't contributing much to the team. With Hansi Flick's intervention, Barça will likely have to make drastic decisions to balance its squad and budget.