According to a recent report by The Daily Express, Manchester United are facing a huge stumbling block in pursuit of Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati this summer. The Red Devils have been told to break the world record and cough up a whopping £355m if they are serious about recruiting the Spanish winger (via The Daily Express). The same source has also claimed that the Mancunian giants have been tracking the Guinea-born talent following his mesmeric rise at the Nou Camp over the ten months.
Fati’s Recent Emergence In Spanish Football
Fati has enjoyed an incredible campaign at Catalonia so far after producing a series of memorable displays for Barca out on the wide areas. He has banged in six goals and provided one assist in 25 appearances for the Spanish outfit this term in all competitions which showcases his growing influence in the attacking third.
The Spanish teenager also deserves a lot of credit for finding some consistency with his performances as evidenced by his average of 1.4 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in La Liga this season. He is often tidy with his ball-distribution after completing 83.7% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 17-year-old has also represented Spain at the Under-21 level, having featured in two matches for them so far. If Fati can continue making progress with each season, then he should have a decent shot of earning a senior call-up for Spain soon.
What Will The Spanish Starlet Bring To The Table?
Fati can use his electric pace and agility to make some darting runs with the ball out on the flanks. He is primarily a left-winger but can play anywhere across the frontline. His blistering speed, coupled with his outstanding versatility, make him a useful asset in Quique Setien’s squad. The Barca academy graduate has often been utilised as an impact substitute, but he has already shown this season that he has what it takes to earn regular first-team starts at the highest level.
Man United Have To Pay £355m To Land Fati: Massive Blow For The Red Devils?
Fait would have not only added more pace and goals to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s frontline but also enhanced the overall quality of his squad. Furthermore, he would have offered some healthy competition for the likes of Marcus Rashford, Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood at Old Trafford next season.
At 17, Fati has the potential to become a generational talent as long as he works hard on improving himself in the training ground in the years to come. Even a club of Man United’s size and financial muscle cannot afford to pay £355m for a player based on the dire economic conditions of the current market which has largely been brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hence, Barca’s record-shattering asking price will be a huge blow to the Red Devils and their pursuit of Fati this summer. Solskjaer is better off looking at some of his other transfer targets rather than try and negotiate a deal for the La Liga whizkid in this off-season.
