Ansu Fati, just a few years ago, his name excited Barcelona fans. Goals, flair, and a maturity that surprised in a teenager. He seemed like Messi's natural heir.
But everything has changed, today, Ansu is a player without minutes, without prominence, without a clear direction at FC Barcelona. Injuries halted his growth, and when he returned, the club no longer saw him the same way, nor does he feel part of the project. He is uncomfortable, without confidence, and with the feeling that his time at Barça is coming to an end.
This summer is set to be the turning point, everything indicates that Ansu will leave the club. With his departure, Barça needs a new winger: disruptive, experienced, and fitting into Flick's style.
Flick already has his favorite
The new Barça coach has not taken long to make requests. He knows the German market well. He is clear about who he wants: Leroy Sané.
The Bayern Munich winger has excelled this season. He was key to snatching the Bundesliga from Bayer Leverkusen. At 29 years old, he is in full footballing maturity, fast, technical, and with goals, just the profile Barça needs.
Moreover, his contractual situation makes him even more attractive, Sané's contract ends this summer and he hasn't renewed yet. Bayern has offered him to stay, but the player has rejected the proposal. According to Max Eberl, the Bavarian club's sporting director, "there is no agreement, he has said he doesn't want to accept our offer in this form."
Although Eberl hints that Sané wants to stay, the truth is that his future is hanging in the air.
Golden opportunity for Barça
For Barça, this is a unique opportunity. Signing a top-level player without paying a transfer fee would be a masterstroke in a context of financial difficulties.
Sané has already worked with Flick at Bayern, they understand each other, they know each other. The German coach believes he can be decisive in his new Barça project. That's why he has requested him, not as just another option, but as a priority.
With Ansu Fati on his way out, and a gap to fill on the wing, the club is seriously considering the operation. Sané brings experience, versatility, and disruption. Additionally, he knows the demands of big clubs.
Goodbye Ansu, hello Leroy?
Barça is in full reconstruction. Hansi Flick wants to shape the team his way. That involves making painful decisions, like letting a La Masia gem go.
Ansu Fati is fading in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Leroy Sané's name is starting to resonate strongly in the halls of Camp Nou.