Ansu Fati's future has taken a complete turn in the past few hours. Everything pointed to an immediate departure this summer. Flick hasn't counted on him and he has barely had any minutes throughout the season.
His performance has also been disappointing. Ansu hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities and his impact on the field has been very limited. In addition, his annual salary of €14 million complicates his situation even more.
With all this on the table, Deco and Laporta started looking for a destination for him. Several teams showed interest in signing him. Sevilla and Porto were strongly rumored, but another club moved ahead.
Ansu Fati was almost out of Barça
In recent weeks, Monaco has been the most persistent. The Principality's team wants to build a young and competitive project. Ansu Fati fits perfectly into that sporting idea.
The agreement between Barça, Monaco, and Ansu himself seemed finalized. There was talk of a loan with a purchase option for next season. However, something happened that no one expected.
Ansu Fati's renewal baffles Barça fans
Against all odds, Ansu Fati has renewed his contract with Barça. The new agreement ties him to the Catalan club until 2028. The news has surprised everyone, especially given the context of his possible departure.
However, this renewal doesn't have a usual purpose. It's not to stay or to guarantee continuity. Deco asked him for a very different reason and Ansu agreed without setting any conditions.
Deco has asked him to help with financial fair play
The reason for the renewal is purely financial. Barça needs to reduce salary pressure to comply with financial fair play. By renewing, Ansu has deferred part of his salary, thus easing the club's accounts.
This formula has already been used with other names in the past. It doesn't change his immediate future, which still seems far from Camp Nou. Everything points to him leaving for Monaco in the coming weeks.
Ansu Fati will play on loan at Monaco with a purchase option
Ansu will go on loan to Monaco for one season. The agreement includes a purchase option that will depend on his performance. In the Principality, they hope he will regain his best form with continuity and confidence.
He, meanwhile, views the move favorably. He knows he needs minutes and stability to relaunch his career. In Monaco, he will have a great opportunity to show all his talent.
A negotiated departure and a renewal out of commitment
Ansu Fati's gesture shows commitment to Barça. He has facilitated his departure and helped financially. Although he won't continue on a daily basis, his name remains linked to the badge until 2028.
Deco has valued it very positively. He believes that, beyond performance, Ansu has shown a great attitude. Now all that's left is to see if he shines again in Monaco as before.