Man Utd alert as Barcelona put wonderkid up for sale

Tom Weber

• Updated: 12 Jun 2023 16:38 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are said to be open to entertaining offers for Manchester United-linked Ansu Fati.

The 20-year-old was for a time the biggest thing to come out of the La Masia academy, but his reputation has taken a massive hit after falling out of favour at the club. Head coach Xavi has preferred other wide options.

But even with limited game time, Fati contributed impressively last term, recording seven goals and four assists in 36 appearances mostly off the bench. Still, though, a player of his quality and at his age needs regular first-team football, and he likely won't get that at Barcelona.

Unsurprisingly, then, he has been linked with a move away repeatedly in recent months, especially considering Barcelona's economic struggles and the necessity to cash in on some players in order to be able to bring in new faces. Now, the Blaugrana are said to be open to listening to offers.

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Fati on the market

According to the Daily Mail, Xavi would allow the 20-year-old to head out on loan or even permanently if a reasonable buy-back clause could be obtained.

Aston Villa and Manchester United are understood to have been keeping tabs on Fati in recent months, so they will certainly have an eye on this situation. The problem United are facing, however, is the ownership situation.

READ: Glazers make LAUGHABLE offer as Man Utd takeover pressure mounts

As showcased by the lowball offer for Mason Mount, the Glazers are not prepared to sink big money into transfers right now with a sale of the club imminent, meaning that if Erik ten Hag wanted to bring Fati in, he would have to sell first or wait - and hope - for the takeover process to be completed successfully.

The way this saga has dragged is causing massive frustration at United, and if it keeps going for much longer it could jeopardise the club's ambitions for next season.