Barcelona loanee could stay at the club next season with Xavi on his way out – report

Ansu Fati’s career has been resurrected by his shocking, yet important, loan move to Brighton and Hove Albion. For someone who was once looked upon as Lionel Messi’s successor at Barcelona, things haven’t panned out well for the 21-year-old.

Ansu’s burst into the Barcelona first team at the tender age of 16 years took everyone by surprise.

Ansu’s quick feet and sudden burst into the opposition territory was a sheer treat to every Barcelona fan so much so that he eventually became the player who wore the number 10 jersey and was seen as the future face of Barcelona.

In September last year, though, he was loaned out to Brighton due to several reasons, including both economical and sporting.

As a result, Barcelona have witnessed another star in the making, namely, Lamine Yamal, and there is now a growing sense of belief that both Yamal and Ansu could form an attacking partnership at the club.

Furthermore, with Xavi leaving at the end of the season, Barcelona believe that Ansu could return and stay next season, especially if Roberto De Zerbi becomes their new manager, reports SPORT.

Roberto De Zerbi needs a mention

Just when things had been looking up for Ansu at Brighton, he suffered an injury in November. However, the Spaniard is now back playing for the Seagulls after recovering from the muscle injury that kept him out for two months.

Ansu Fati has scored four goals from Brighton so far this season. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Upon his return, though, his manager, De Zerbi, changed his position from the left wing to a No. 9.

As a result, the 21-year-old has been close to scoring goals in the last two games, playing a few minutes against Crystal Place and a bit longer, 33 minutes, against Tottenham. 

Ansu can still have a successful career at Barcelona

The second part of the season is crucial for Ansu, especially since his loan with Brighton ends in June, and he is expected to return to Barça.

A few months ago, it seemed unlikely that he would want to go back to Barça, but now with Xavi leaving, it might actually be a good thing for him, especially if the current Brighton coach, De Zerbi, is considered for the Barça position. 

Ansu had a good impression of him when choosing Brighton over Tottenham, and that has only gotten better as he got to know the coach better.

While Barcelona have been considering his permanent exit, a good run in the second half, coupled with Xavi’s exit could open the doors for Ansu’s extended stay in Catalonia.