Barcelona are looking to secure the long-term future of teenage starlet Ansu Fati and end the awkward confusion over the expiry of his current contract.
Despite being sidelined until early March with a knee injury for which he underwent surgery, Fati has established himself as the club’s future. His flying start to the 2020/21 campaign saw him score nine goals and assist in 10 appearances before injury and earned four caps for Spain.
Fati has emerged as the future of Barcelona / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
The 18-year-old signed a new contract in July 2019, with his release clause automatically increased from €100m to €400m when he was made an official member of the first-team squad this season, according to an amendment which The latter was agreed upon. December
Mundo Deportivo (MD) write that Barca are keen to negotiate a new deal with Fati, who will become their top priority once Lionel Messi’s future is resolved.
Messi is out of contract at the end of the season after trying and failing to leave Camp Nou in the summer by exercising a clause that Barca officials insist has expired. He will even be able to begin formal negotiations on a pre-contract agreement with potential suitors from January 1.
After Lionel Messi’s layoff, the focus will turn to Fati/Eric Alonso/Getty Images
But with Messi done with the deal – it may be easier to convince him to stay now that Josep Maria Bartomeu has stepped down as president – Fati’s future is ‘immediately’ next on the club’s to-do list.
MD explains that part of the problem is that Fati’s camp, which includes his father, Bury, and agent Jorge Mendes, do not interpret his current contract in the same way as the club.
Barcelona believe the deal initially runs until 2022, but includes a further two-year option that could be triggered to extend until 2024. This was announced by him in both July and December 2019.
On Thursday night, Ansu Fati became the second youngest player to play for Spain, and the youngest since 1936! ? pic.twitter.com/cj6NVH2D8M
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) September 5, 2020
But the players’ advisers say it expires in 2022 and that any extension needs to be reviewed and agreed.
Barcelona therefore have to offer a new long-term contract, possibly until 2026, to clear the confusion that could cut him further down if it persists.
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