Transfer Update: Fati
30 September, 2021
With Ansu Fati still linked with a shock move to Manchester United, here is the latest on the African-born Barcelona teenager's future in Spain.
The 18-year-old scored on his return to fitness in Barcelona's 3-0 LaLiga win over Levante this past weekend following a 10-month spell on the sidelines.
Fati, who has inherited Lionel Messi's former No. 10 jersey at the club, has a contract with the Blaugrana until June 2022, with Barca president Joan Laporta seemingly eager to tie him down to a new deal.
A recent dispute over his current contract between his agent Jorge Mendes and the Blaugrana could have turned ugly, but it seems the Guinea-Bissau-born winger could now potentially be edging closer to a renewal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the young attacker's representative has a new contract offer on the table for his client, and will sit down with the club to discuss it further in the near future.
What was the contract dispute about?
Although Fati's deal at Barcelona technically expires in 2022, the club's board believe they have the option to unilaterally extend his stay until 2024.
It is argued by the player's agent, however, that the extension clause is not valid given it was signed by Fati when he was under the age of 18. In Spain, an U18 player is not able to sign a contract of longer than two years.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za