Barcelona have practically ruled out the departure of 20-year-old academy whizkid

As Barcelona look to make some sales and generate revenue this summer, a number of players have been linked with exits from the Catalan outfit.

Returning loanees such as Sergino Dest, Clement Lenglet, and Alex Collado are all on the exit ramp as are first-team members such as Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres.

Another name that had been linked strongly with a summer exit is Ansu Fati. The 20-year-old has endured a few difficult campaigns at the club due to injuries and a lack of game-time.

But given his age, potential, and quality, there were expectations that Fati would fetch a good fee this summer, especially with interest coming from several Premier League clubs.

However, according to the latest report from SPORT, Barcelona have now practically ruled out the departure of Fati in the ongoing transfer window.

This comes after the 20-year-old academy graduate’s repeated insistence on staying put at the club and succeeding with the La Liga champions.

Fati’s agent, Jorge Mendes, tried to convince the forward to consider a departure, but the youngster held firm on his stance of wanting to stay. And providing an update on the starlet’s future, the superagent said last month:

“Ansu wants to stay. He wants to stay. He has scored three goals in his last games. What else do you want? He is a phenomenon. One of the best young players in the world. One day he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

Fati himself made his decision on his future clear last month after winning the UEFA Nations League with Spain, saying:

“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 showed some signs of recovering his form towards the end of the last season. That, coupled with his quality and his desire to stay, appears to have convinced Barcelona to hold on to the La Masia graduate for at least one more season.