Barcelona manager Xavi has hit back at suggestions that reported Liverpool target Ansu Fati could leave the club this summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano reported this week that Fati is being targeted by a number of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool. But as per Romano on Twitter today, Xavi has put a ‘not for sale’ tag on the 20-year-old.
“Ansi Fati is not for sale, as everyone else right now,” the Spanish coach is reported as saying. “It’s not time to speak about transfers. I trust Ansu Fati for present and future, he’s our player.”
It was a surprise to hear that Fati may be pushing to leave Barca. By the sounds of Xavi’s comments, he was just as surprised as anyone. Let’s see if he changes his tune come the end of the season.
Liverpool make early Fati move
Should Fati choose to leave Barcelona for the Premier League, it would be something of a watershed moment.
The youngster isn’t exactly Barca’s biggest star, that’s true. But he did take Lionel Messi’s coveted No.10 shirt when the Argentinian left for PSG in 2021.
As a result, he’s still a pretty high-profile figure. Fati may have only started seven La Liga games this season, but when fit he’s been a fixture in Barcelona’s squad since he was sixteen.
In the past, it would have been virtually impossible for a player like that to turn their nose up at Barca and come to England. Perhaps it still is. As per Romano though, that could be exactly what happens.
Should Fati decide his future lies away from Catalonia, he’ll have plenty of suitors, too.
Liverpool would appear one of the unlikeliest of those suitors. According to the ever-reliable Romano though, they’re right in the mix.
Along with Arsenal and Manchester United, Liverpool have even reportedly gone as far as speaking with Fati’s agents.
This step would surely not have been taken without the Spain international’s knowledge. So, while Xavi may be planning ahead with Fati on board, it seems as though the player isn’t totally satisfied right now. Maybe Liverpool can capitalise on that.