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Xavi has labeled Ansu Fati as “non-transferable” despite rumors that Manchester United are interested in signing the Spain international during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Recent reports indicate that the 20-year-agent, old’s Jorge Mendes, has been in contact with top European clubs to negotiate a possible summer transfer.
Barcelona Shut the Door on Fati Departure
The president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, stated at the end of last week that the club was unaware that Mendes had discussed Fati’s future with a third party.
Laporta told reporters during a press conference, “He is a Barça player for whom we have high hopes, and we have no information that his agent wants to do anything.”
Premier League side Man United are rumored to be interested in signing the Spain international before the 2023-2024 season. Erik ten Hag’s outfit will be looking to drive on from gaining good momentum so far this season and challenge for the league.
Barca boss Xavi, however, speaking prior to Sunday’s La Liga match against Villarreal, referred to Fati as “non-transferable” and expressed “tremendous hope” and “blind confidence” in the youngster.
“Ansu Fati is non-transferable, like everyone in the squad right now,” the Barcelona manager stated to reporters, “He’s a very important player. I have tremendous hope.”
Fati’s Current Form
Fati has been a mainstay for Barcelona throughout the 2022-23 season, appearing 31 times across all competitions and producing six goals and three assists.
The Spaniard missed 47 matches for Barcelona between November 2020 and September 2021 owing to a major knee injury, and he has been sidelined subsequently with two separate hamstring injuries.
Fati, who is in the Catalan club’s squad for Sunday’s match against Villarreal, has scored 25 goals and provided nine assists in 89 games across all competitions.
In England, the Red Devils are expected to recruit at least one new forward during this summer’s transfer window, and they are rumored to have a long-standing interest in the Barca youngster.
Man United saw superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo depart after the World Cup in Qatar following a fallout between him and the club and Ten Hag. Since then, the Red Devils have brought in Burnley’s Dutch striker Wout Weghorst on loan until the end of the season.
Weghorst has scored only once however, and the club could be lining up to sign a more effective hitman in the summer. That is why Fati has been linked with the side, who are currently third in the English top flight.
Ten Hag’s side face rivals Leeds United for the second time this week on Sunday afternoon. The team’s played out a 2-2 draw on Wednesday and win will be vital to both sides’ respective hopes today.
When it comes to the future of the Spaniard Fati, though, Barcelona are in a solid position, as he is under contract at Camp Nou until June 2027 with an option for two more years.
The rumors of Fati’s possible departure come amid speculation that Barcelona will attempt to bring in more money for the running of the club and new players with a big sale. Fati, who has struggled to return to his blistering pre-injury form, could be the player that is sold to raise funds.
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