Exit-linked Barcelona attacker intent on staying put: “Want to keep growing here”

Speaking after Spain’s UEFA Nations League triumph on Sunday night, FC Barcelona forward Ansu Fati issued a statement making it clear that he does not wish to leave the club this summer despite strong exit links.

Fati endured a difficult 2022/23 season as most of his minutes came off the bench, with Xavi not trusting him with a starting spot regularly enough.

And, with Barça needing to make important sales in the summer, they are very much open to offloading Fati, with the hope that they receive a good sum of money from his exit.

However, the 20-year-old Spanish international is keen on staying put at the club, something that was made clear by his agent, Jorge Mendes, a week or so ago.

Now, Fati has come out and stated that he is not contemplating an exit this summer, as he is happy at Barça and wishes to continue growing at the home of the La Liga champions.

“I have a contract with Barcelona and my intention is to continue to improve and grow here. That is my intention. I have a contract and I’m happy. Both at my club and with the national team”, Fati said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

While the La Masia graduate remains intent on staying put, reports suggest that he could be open to changing his stance, if manager Xavi Hernandez directly told him that he would not have a major role in the upcoming season.

There had been links to clubs in the Premier League, but they have gone quiet in recent weeks. So, it remains to be seen whether Fati does end up leaving the La Liga champions or convinces the club to keep hold of him beyond the summer.