Barcelona hints at Man Utd interest in Ansu Fati

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 9 Feb 2023 15:48 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted that there is interest in Ansu Fati but the club wish to keep hold of the attacker.

The winger has been linked to Manchester United over a summer move but the Barca official publicly stated that he sees Fati with a future at the Nou Camp, saying that he is ‘loved’ there.

Laporta said in a press conference: “We are not thinking of selling Ansu Fati as of now, he’s loved here — then I cannot predict the future. His agent told us there are clubs keen on signing Ansu Fati, yes. It is clear that he wants to succeed here at Barca."

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Fati’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who has a strong relationship with Man Utd. His client came through La Masia and made his professional debut for the club in 2019, when he was just 16.

The 20-year-old, however, has been struck down by injuries throughout his time with Barca and this campaign has been playing from the bench, with the likes of Raphinha, who joined over the summer from Leeds, and Ousmane Dembele, preferred for the starting XI.

Xavi working wonders

Xavi has even opted to bring midfielders Gavi and Pedri to the left side, using Fati more as a striker when putting him on.

Laporta also touched on the fine job club legend and now manager Xavi is doing in the dugout, with the side top of the La Liga table.

He said: “Our priority is to win La Liga. We are firm candidates but we need to work hard until the end. There is great enthusiasm within the team. We’re growing defensively, conceding only 7 goals all season.”

“I want to thank Xavi for the great job he has done. He knows Barçafully, he is a positive person who always looks for solutions. From the board, we are very grateful to him.”