Ansu Fati has been linked to a possible move to Manchester United with the Red Devils ready to spend big on the 17-year-old winger. United had reportedly offered Fati as much as $168 million aside from performance-based bonuses for the Guinean. Despite the lucrative offer, Fati has opted to remain with Barcelona as he continues his development.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Fati has no plans of leaving Barca and is also not a bit interested in moving to Old Trafford. Rather than make the jump, he is keeping his focus and commitment with Barcelona for now. Fati is considered the potential successor to Lionel Messi and there are plans to sign him long-term. The deal may reach as much as $453 million, making it impossible for United or any other team to pry him away from Barcelona.
Jorge Mendes is the person assigned to negotiate with Barcelona for Fati. He was told that it would take roughly $191 million for the Catalan giants to consider a deal for the teenage sensation. But based on recent developments, it appears the effort of doing so will be for naught.
There was talk that Barca could consider cashing in on Fati with the club experiencing financial hardships brought in by the COVID-19 pandemic. Club director Xavier Vilajoana has rebuffed those claims and stressed they have no plans of selling young players who are capable of making the first-team.
The interest in Fati is understandable. After getting the chance to play for Barca this season, he made history by becoming the club's youngest goalscorer. He has played 25 times this season and has been often likened to Messi.
The sudden interest is also befuddling considering United was linked to other big names like Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish. Of the two, Sancho is worth a hefty $144 million, something that would easily eat up their cash reserves. Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward has warned about lavish spending in light of the unfortunate state clubs are dealing with right now.
Also, United has been linked to other names as well. Among the ones mentioned include Leon Bailey, Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell. All of them won't come cheap, raising questions on where United is getting the funds pitched to lure Fati. They may be selling off some players in the summer to make up. But considering the staggering amount they are facing, the Red Devils may end up with more problems if they continue hefty spending moving forward.
