Xavi has responded angrily to a question regarding Ansu Fati‘s future in the wake of rumours linking the Barcelona ace to a move to Manchester United.
Despite giving the 20-year-old only nine starts this year, the Nou Camp manager has always expressed his intention to keep him. Fati, who reportedly has a £1 billion release clause, has experienced injury issues in recent years.
The young player has been handed 31 appearances so far this season and has already managed to score six goals and provide three assists. The Spanish star, who played twice at the World Cup, hasn’t made many starts, leading to speculation over his future.
One of the teams rumoured to have a potential interest is United, who will play Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League knockout match at the Nou Camp on Thursday. However, Xavi is not impressed by these rumors.
As reported by the Mirror, the former Barcelona midfielder said:
“I don’t understand why this is being talked about now in our press conferences. There is no transfer window now so Ansu is not for sale. He is a very important player for us now and for the future.”
“I have extraordinary confidence in him. Whether he has more or fewer minutes will depend on his performance. I really have blind faith in him.”
“But he must be patient. There is too much rushing in everything. The January market has ended and I don’t know why we are talking about this. We have to focus on what we are at stake. For me, it is clear that he must continue.”
Barcelona is expected to have a difficult summer window due to their financial issues, and they may need to sell certain first-team players in order to adhere to La Liga’s financial regulations.
However, United are already looking to steal one of their star players in Ansu Fati in the upcoming transfer window. The Spanish ace will be aiming to play regularly, and he could get an excellent chance to feature regularly under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch boss has been instrumental in building young players and helping them reach their true potential. Fati could be able to unlock his true instincts at Old Trafford.
