Barcelona prodigy Ansu Fati opens up on Brighton loan move: “That was a key factor”

One of the most surprising moves of this past summer transfer window saw Barcelona prodigy Ansu Fati complete a deadline-day loan move to Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

Ansu had fallen down the pecking order at Barça over the past year under Xavi Hernandez and was not receiving enough game-time.

Even though he showed signs of form in pre-season, the 20-year-old continued to be behind the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and even teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal in the opening weeks of the season.

As such, Fati opted to leave on loan so that he can play regularly, eventually moving to Brighton.

Why did Ansu choose Brighton?

It is no secret that a number of clubs were vying to sign Fati once it became clear that he would leave Barcelona on loan.

At one point, it even appeared that a move to Tottenham Hotspur was close to being completed while Sevilla kept pushing until late.

But the La Masia prodigy opted to join Brighton instead and has now revealed what made him choose the Seagulls over other suitors.

In his first interview with Brighton’s official media, Fati explained his decision, saying: “I spoke to the coach Roberto De Zerbi and he told me he has full confidence in me and what he thought about me. For me, that was a key factor.

“He was the main person who convinced me to come here with what he said, how he sees me as a player, and what I can improve upon. That was the key, I feel.”

Outlining his ambitions for his season in England with Brighton, Fati added: “I want to have a great season, fight for the team, try to qualify for Europe again. If we can qualify for the Champions League it would be even better.”

What has Xavi said

Given Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play situation, Fati’s future was a subject of major speculation all through the summer, with reports suggesting that Barcelona wanted to ship him out.

However, this past week, manager Xavi Hernandez said that it was Fati who asked to leave, stating: “Ansu, Abde and Eric asked to leave. He [Ansu] has the feeling that he has to play. The objective is for him to succeed again at Barça.”

Irrespective of the reason behind his exit, both Ansu and Barcelona will be hoping that his loan stint at Brighton is a roaring success and he returns to the club a better player from the experience.