Barcelona are reportedly preparing a contract extension for Ansu Fati, with a £274 million release clause amid links with Manchester United.
According to Sport, as relayed by The Sun, FC Barcelona want to secure the future of Ansu Fati by offering him a contract extension. The Spanish giants are seemingly worried about the attacker’s future at the club amid reports linking him with a move to Manchester United, with his agent Jorge Mendes, warning them of their interest.
As a result, Barcelona are keen to offer a new deal to Fati, one that would include a whopping £274 million release clause. The youngster had already signed a contract extension at the club last summer that is set to expire in 2022, but with Manchester United lurking, a fresh offer is set to be presented.
Earlier this summer, the Catalans had notably rejected a bumper £135 million offer from Manchester United for the services of Fati. They were holding out for the entire sum of his current release clause, worth around £151 million. And it makes sense, given the impact he has had in the Barcelona first-team this season.
Indeed, the youngster has featured in 24 matches in the recently concluded La Liga campaign, scoring seven goals. His on-field contribution has been greater too, with the teenage prodigy providing a real spark to the Barcelona attack with his pace, trickery and dynamism on the flanks, which has served well for head coach Quique Setien.
Fati’s contributions in the final third have been critical, especially with Philippe Coutinho out on loan and new signing Antoine Griezmann failing to live up to his expensive price tag. And with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez also nearing the final phase of their glittering careers, Fati could lead the charge for the new generation of Barcelona attackers.
On the flip side, however, Barcelona could opt to offload Fati for a higher fee, especially with Manchester United interested, and use it to fund moves for more proven individuals, perhaps someone like Neymar, even. They have, after all, have recently preferred the experience of Miralem Pjanic ahead of the youthful exuberance of Arthur Melo in a controversial swap deal.
However, Barcelona’s willingness to tie down Fati to a new contract speaks highly of their commitment towards the development of the youngster, who has been often regarded as once in a generation talent. Manchester United, though, could have perhaps, done with someone like Fati, although he was likely a backup target for Jadon Sancho.
Moreover, it is unlikely any team, even the financially stable Manchester United, will be able to fund a move for Fati anytime soon regardless of his new contract, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, which has inflicted massive economic damage to football clubs across Europe.
