Barca star Fati ready to leave

Barcelona attacking teenager AnsuFati is supposedly ready to leave the club due to his lack of game time under Xavi.

The 19-year-old has been unable to consistently impress Xavi due to a spate of serious injuries during his fledgling career, as he spent 305 days out with a knee injury between November 2020 and September 2021.

Fati has since suffered recurring problems with his knee and hamstrings, forcing him to miss as many as 84 games for La Blaugrana already, but he has worked his way back to full fitness.

Despite his improved availability, Fati has struggled to get a regular look-in amid intense competition for spots in Barcelona’s attacking trident.

The Spain international has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season – contributing three goals and three assists – but he has been used off the bench in the majority of matches.

Fati has only made two starts in La Liga – coming on as a substitute in a further nine games – and he has not started in the Champions League since his side’s opening 5-1 win over Viktoria Plzen.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Fati is growing increasingly frustrated over his lack of starts under Xavi and would be prepared to leave Barcelona if his situation does not improve.

The report claims that agent Jorge Mendes has informed Barcelona that the attacker would be prepared to sever ties with the Catalan club if he continues to play a bit-part role in the coming months.

However, Barcelona managed to tie Fati down to a new long-term deal in October 2021, and he is contracted to Xavi’s side until the summer of 2027 with the option of a further two years.

The Blaugrana inserted a release clause of €1bn (£861.6m) into Fati’s new deal, and the club are therefore extremely relaxed about the situation, with Fati seemingly unlikely to force a move elsewhere. – Reuters