Romano reveals Barcelona ‘OPERATION’ that will send Ansu Fati to Chelsea or Tottenham

Robin Bairner

30 Aug 2023 07:24 BST
3 min read

Ansu Fati, Barcelona, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Barcelona are ready to launch ‘Operation Joao Felix’, according to Fabrizio Romano, with that deal potentially sending Ansu Fati to the Premier League, where both Chelsea and Tottenham are ready to fight for the player once dubbed Lionel Messi’s heir at Camp Nou.

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FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that Liverpool have Joao Felix on a shortlist of players they may sign should Mohamed Salah leave the club this summer, but Romano says the Atletico Madrid star is giving his priority to Barca.

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Complicating this move is the Spanish champions’ financial position. Strict Financial Fair Play (FFP) measures on the club mean that they have struggled to register new signings this summer, let alone pay fees for stars.

Romano confirms on X, formerly Twitter: “Barcelona are prepared to active he ‘operation Joao Felix’ in the next 48h – board working for a solution to make it happen with FFP.

“Joao Felix would only consider other clubs or the Saudi Pro League if the Barca deal collapses.”

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© ProShots - Joao Felix has long been linked with Barcelona

Barca to broker Ansu deal?

One solution that Barcelona can employ to help land Joao Felix is selling players, with Ansu Fati one of those who could go.

The 20-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in Xavi’s plans in recent months but could still command a sizeable transfer fee thanks to his strong reputation and excellent potential for growth.

Indeed, Romano says that two Premier League sides are monitoring this case.

“Ansu Fati situation, one to watch until the end of the window as mentioned multiple times,” he reported.

“Understand Tottenham made contact to be informed on Ansu Fati situation while talks for Brennan Johnson continue.

“Chelsea have also been presented Ansu opportunity earlier this week.”

Both Chelsea and Tottenham are seeking further attacking solutions before the end of the transfer window, although it is unclear exactly how much Ansu might move for, with his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) presently sitting at €33.2 million.