Liverpool and Manchester United were reportedly keen on snapping up Ansu Fati on a Bosman move before he committed his future to Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool and Manchester were among the clubs that were hot on the trails of Ansu Fati over a potential Bosman move in next summer’s transfer window. However, the 18-year-old had no intention of leaving Barcelona and duly chose to commit his long-term future to the Catalan club.
Ansu Fati is widely regarded as one of the brightest young players in the game at the moment. Still in his teens, the prodigious attacker has broken into the Spanish national side and is already a pivotal figure for Barcelona, where he is viewed as the true successor to Lionel Messi’s pedestal following the Argentine wizard’s shock move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Fati, though, has made a strong impression since returning from injury, with two goals and an assist in just 160 minutes of action. For a short while, though, Barcelona were in a precarious position over his long-term future, as he was in the final year of his deal before eventually penning a renewal. This is when Liverpool and Manchester United were keenly following his situation.
The interest from Liverpool was not too surprising, considering Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will both turn 30 before the 2021/22 season draws to a close. In addition, there are similar concerns surrounding Salah’s future as was the case with Fati at Barcelona. But Fati would have been an option worth considering even if Salah stays put at Anfield.
Manchester United, on the other hand, even made an enquiry for the 18-year-old. The interest from the Red Devils, though, was somewhat surprising, considering they already bolstered their attack for the long run by signing Jadon Sancho, who should form a core also comprising of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, which ought to serve the club well for decades.
Nevertheless, it looks like Manchester United were serious with their interest in Fati, and were prepared to make their move for him. In addition to United and Liverpool, PSG were also keen on signing Fati on a free transfer amid the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappe. However, each of the clubs have had to face defeat in his pursuit, with Fati committing his future to Barcelona.
The 18-year-old has penned a long-term contract that will run till June 30, 2027, with Barcelona embedding a release clause worth a staggering €1 billion in the deal. As for the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and PSG, they must turn their attention elsewhere in search of an attacking reinforcement.
