It was not too long ago that Ansu Fati was considered the Golden Boy of FC Barcelona. In fact, he was given the legendary number 10 shirt while still a teenager, when Lionel Messi left the club. Till now, he has not managed to fill the jersey though, spending a significant amount of time out on the sidelines or on the bench. Thus, the recent rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid would have come as a surprise to almost everyone.
There is no question about Fati’s talent and when on the pitch, he has shown the ability to affect a game. There are serious doubts over his fitness though. At just 20 years of age, he has already dealt with a number of medium and long-term injuries already.
Yet, it looks like he is in Xavi’s plans for the future. And the Barcelona manager was quick to rule out the rumours linking Fati with a move to Real Madrid.
As reported by 90min, Xavi said:
"“This is a joke, isn’t it?“I have already been very blunt about Ansu. Debates are being generated that make no sense. Ansu is an important player and is part of the club’s heritage, now and in the future.”"
Xavi reacts to Ansu Fati to Real Madrid transfer rumour
Thus, it does not look like a move to Real Madrid is on the cards for Fati. And to be very honest, it did not make much sense on paper either.
Fati seems to be at his best playing on the left flank. Real Madrid already have Vinicius Jr. Also, in their new 4-4-2 system, that role does not exist either.
At the same time, it is hard to see Fati being a starter for Real Madrid. And he surely would not want to make the move if he did not get some guarantees about consistent playing time.
Last season was Fati’s most productive in terms of appearances, even though starts were difficult to come by. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 51 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign.