Will Ansu Fati stop Barcelona signing a striker this summer?
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 2 May 2022 18:47 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona head coach Xavi has suggested that Ansu Fati could be the reason that the club do not pursue attacking options in the transfer market this summer.
Barca have been closely linked with a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and had billed themselves as a potential destination for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland before it became evident that Real Madrid and Manchester City were well out in front in the race for the Norway star.
But the return of Ansu from injury has provided the boss with another option – and one that Xavi says could be a viable long-term alternative.
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“I’ve tested him out as a No.9 because I think he has to play in the penalty area” Xavi explained following Sunday’s victory over Real Mallorca.
“He’s a special player, who scores goals. I see him more as a No.9, than a winger. He doesn’t have the pace or physical ability back yet, but he’s happy.”
Why Ansu could save Barca millions
Ansu burst onto the scene with Barca but has spent most of the last 18 months on the sidelines because of a succession of injuries. Nevertheless, at just 19, he has scored three goals in six appearances in La Liga this season, while he has netted on 18 occasions in just 54 first-team outings, earmarking him as a superstar in the making.
His rise comes at a particularly good time for Barcelona, given their financial issues. Over the course of the last two seasons, they have lost more than €700m, meaning they are severely restricted what they can spend due to La Liga Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Any spending that is made has to be done in a carefully calculated manner, and if there is an opportunity to save money then Barcelona have to consider it.
Using Ansu as their No.9 next season could, therefore, be an attractive proposition for them, although his injury record will doubtless be cause for concern.
