Pranav Nair
Manchester United submitted an £89m bid to sign Ansu Fati
According to Spanish publication Sport (h/t Metro), Manchester United have submitted an £89m bid for Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati.
The 17-year-old came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He became the second youngest debutant in club history earlier this season.
Primarily a left-winger, he is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline. Fati has made 24 appearances for the Catalans this season, scoring five goals and one assist. (h/t Transfermarkt)
United have identified the youngster as an alternative to Jadon Sancho. They made use of the player’s agent Jorge Mendes to enquire about his availability. However, the Spanish club stated that the winger was not for sale and would only leave if his £151.5m release clause was met.
According to the report, Mendes countered Barcelona with an £89m offer from United. However, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is not at all interested in selling the youngster. He views the youngster as a key player in the future.
Given that Lionel Messi is already 33, Bartomeu’s sentiments are understandable. Fati had earlier been endorsed by the Argentine great, who believes he has what it takes to succeed.
The club are willing to let go of both Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele after the duo failed to make a lasting impact at the Nou Camp. (h/t Metro)
Worth it?
There is no doubt that Fati is an exciting player with high potential. However, his release clause will make him the most expensive player in United history.
Sancho, who is still 20, is already close to the finished article. He has shown he has the ability to perform consistently at the highest level. Valued at around £107m, he is cheaper than Fati.
It remains to be seen if United will go back in for the Barcelona starlet.
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The 17-year-old is the youngest player in La Liga history to score a brace. His goals secured a 2-1 win over Levante in February.
He has also won 2 caps for the Spanish Under-21 team.
