Barca To Lose New No. 10 In Shock Dispute?
09 September, 2021
Legal issues could lead to Barcelona losing African-born winger and academy product Ansu Fati, who was recently handed the No. 10 jersey following Lionel Messi's departure.
Although the 18-year-old was recently given the iconic No. 10 shirt at Barcelona, confusion over his future is said to have broken out, according to Daily Mirror.
It is claimed the Guinea-Bissau-born winger's representatives have become embroiled in a dispute with president Joan Laporta's board, which believes Fati is currently under contract in Spain until 2024.
Although his deal technically does end in 2022, Barcelona insist they have the option to unilaterally extend the terms of his contract by a further two years.
This, however, is reportedly being refuted by Fati's super-agent Jorge Mendes and his father Bori Fati, who state that the Blaugrana do not have that option as his previous deal was signed when the youngster was still a youth team player.
Mendes and Fati's dad, therefore, believe the teenage sensation will become a free agent at the end of this season if a new deal is not agreed with Barca before then.
This could prove to be a welcome boost for Premier League giants Manchester United, who have reportedly held an interest in Fati's services in recent years.
The teenager has made 43 appearances for the Catalan club since his senior debut in 2019, contributing to 18 goals across all competitions.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za