U-turn: Barcelona no longer want to offload out-of-favour forward, Flick counts on him | OneFootball

Not very long ago, it was reported that Barcelona had made up their mind to sell Ansu Fati. The 21-year-old is back at the club after his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion and was said to be on his way out again this summer.

After all, Fati’s stock has been on the wane and his fitness problems remain a concern. But, as per the latest update from Mundo Deportivo, it appears that there has been a change of stance from Barça as far as Fati’s future is concerned.

Fati no longer for sale

Indeed, Barcelona have made a huge U-turn over the future of Fati and are no longer looking to offload him this summer. Instead, new manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco will count on the La Masia forward.

The club’s approach is based on footballing, motivational, methodical and also business logic. They believe that Ansu is an asset and that he should be given a chance because he has plenty of quality.

Now that Barça have incorporated a ‘Dream Team’ for fitness training, they believe that the situation is favourable for Ansu to leave behind his past problems and dazzle again.

Deco recently spoke to Ansu for almost an hour and told him that he was counting on him, that Flick wants him in the team, and that he has everything to succeed. He also warned the forward that he would have to work hard because the competition is strong.

A lifeline for Ansu. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Barça do not want Ansu to go on loan to another club only to pay part of his salary, and see him score goals in another shirt and not be under the supervision of the club’s physical and medical team during this period.

As such, Barcelona will not listen to any offers for Fati this year, but told him that he needed to work with the club’s recovery and fitness coaches and focus on giving his everything to recover his best version.

Fati fully focused on Barcelona

Ansu Fati, for his part, had always intended to stay and succeed at Barcelona despite the speculations over his future.

The La Masia graduate is fully focused on Barça – the best proof is that his father, Bori Fati, told his agent, Jorge Mendes, not to listen to offers for him even though Jose Mourinho wanted to sign Fati at Fenerbahce.

The immediate agenda is set: first pre-season, then the USA tour. Barça are looking for a winger but Ansu also has the opportunity to prove his quality.

The youngster is motivated, having returned to training ahead of schedule so as to make an impression on the new manager.