Saudi Arabia have started talks to buy Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona next season.
Talks which could result in Ansu Fati being sold to Saudi Arabia by FC Barcelona next season have already begun according to SPORT.
The government-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), which in late 2021 bought Premier
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The Middle Eastern championship has already been able to lure the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar into continuing their careers there, and its teams are already looking towards next summer when European counterparts will be looking to sell unwanted players in order to bolster their squads.
According to SPORT, Saudi Arabia has already made the “first moves” when it comes to possibly landing Ansu Fati. Informal talks with the player’s entourage have already begun, and there are figures within the 20-year-old’s inner circle that would welcome the prospect of a switch to the Kingdom.
At present, Fati reportedly sees himself far from leaving Europe, but things could change from now until June 30, 2024.
That is the date when the La Masia pearl’s loan at Brighton ends, and, at present, the Spain international is struggling to force himself into Roberto De Zerbi’s first XI as was commonly seen in Catalonia under Barca head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Fati had previously vowed to fight for his place in the Blaugrana starting line up, but then had a change of heart and pushed for a temporary assignment elsewhere this term.
When he returns to his boyhood club, there could be permanent competition from Joao Felix if he has been bought permanently from Real Madrid, in addition to the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
If Xavi opts for his commonly-fielded system that deploys a false left winger, he will be down the pecking order to the Gavi, Pedri and perhaps Ilkay Gundogan too on occasion.
Because of their precarious financial situation, Barca will definitely be looking at selling players in the next summer transfer window.
As things stand, though, they are not decided on finally parting ways with Fati and believe it is still too early in the season to take a definitive stance.
After all, the youngster was once thought of as the future of the club and given a contract until 2027 with a €1 billion ($1.057 billion) release clause attached to it plus Lionel Messi’s old number 10 jersey.