Real Betis eyeing surprise move for Barcelona sensation | OneFootball

The emergence of Ansu Fati, without a doubt, has been one of the biggest positives for Barcelona over the past couple of seasons.

Having broken into the first-team during the 2019/20 campaign, the teenager forward quickly established himself as a regular fixture in the Barcelona attack, enjoying a fine breakthrough season during which he scored eight times in 33 outings in all competitions.

The teenage sensation looked all set for a much more prominent role under Ronald Koeman at the onset of the 2020/21 term and made a lively start as well, with five goals and four assists in just ten games.

However, as fate would have it, Fati was struck down by a serious injury in November, ruling him out of action for a considerable time. While it had been expected that the 18-year-old may return in time to play some part in latter stages of the campaign, couple of setbacks on his road to recovery meant he is still recuperating from his injury.

And, as he closes is on returning to fitness by the time Barcelona’s pre-season camp kicks off next month, Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Real Betis are keeping a close watch on the teenage winger, reports El Gol Digital.

It is claimed that Los Verdiblancos who have done transfer business with Barcelona for players like Carles Alena, Juan Miranda and Emerson, are eyeing the possibility of signing Fati on loan for the 2021/22 campaign – something that Barcelona themselves are believed to be considering.

Barcelona open to loaning out Ansu Fati

The Barcelona hierarchy would not be averse to loaning Fati out for next season as they are not sure how Fati’s body is likely to react after almost a year out on the sidelines. If the teen prodigy is not able to hit the ground running upon returning, the Blaugrana may well decide to loan him out for a year.

Barcelona have added a couple of new faces to their attacking unit in the form of Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay. Given Fati’s lengthy absence, he might not be afforded regular starting opportunities either, and the lack of game-time could hamper his recovery to peak fitness.

As a result, several options are being considered, one of which is loaning Fati out for the 2021/22 season, with a decision likely to be taken by the time the La Liga season kicks off on August 14.