1 Jun 2026 12:58 BST |
5 min read
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcelona have sold Ansu Fati in a deal that will have widespread implications for the Camp Nou side as they aim for a historic summer.
Ansu, who was once touted as Lionel Messi’s heir at Barca, has completed a permanent move to Ligue 1 side Monaco, Romano says.
The Catalan side will make €11 million from the deal and retain a sell-on clause for the 23-year-old winger, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €16m.
Taking to X to confirm the move, Romano explained: “Ansu Fati is set to stay at AS Monaco joining on a permanent deal from Barcelona.
“€11m fee and sell-on clause for Barca, Ansu prepared to stay with Filipe Luis as new head coach.”
Why Ansu’s Monaco move matters
Barcelona are fighting to get back to the 1:1 ratio that will open up further possibilities for them in the transfer market, and Ansu’s sale was one of the important steps that were outlined towards reaching that goal.
With this completed, according to Romano, they can now focus on an agreement that will see third-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen depart the club as a free agent.
These deals are required to unlock a potential move for Atletico Madrid attacker Julian Alvarez, who has been made their clear preference for the No.9 role.
But Barcelona’s plans are bigger than this. Bernardo Silva is a prominent target as a free agent, while there is also the possibility of retaining Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. On top of this, a central defender is also on the shopping list for the Blaugrana this summer.
For the Catalans, raising every penny possible will only benefit them in the transfer window.
What went wrong for Ansu at Barcelona?
Seeing Ansu leave will, nevertheless, be a huge disappointment for Barcelona, with the club having been closely attached to him since he broke into the first team in 2019.
He was rapidly handed the iconic No.10 jersey, which had previously been worn by Messi. It was a symbolic move that was supposed to be the introduction of a new superstar.
Ansu explained to Canal+: “When Leo was leaving, the number 17 was prepared for me, but then the club suggested number 10. The captains accepted it, and it was a great honour for me.
“When you play for Barca, you have to be prepared for anything. Messi has given a lot to Barcelona, and not a single Barca fan likes to see him wearing another club’s jersey. However, I hope he will do well.”
He also said in the same interview: “In my head I have it very clear. I hope to have the chance to spend my whole career here.”
A succession of injury problems, however, hampered his development and in 2023/24 he moved to Brighton via a loan designed for him to regain his confidence and form. This never really panned out, and even at Monaco, where he scored 11 goals in 25 league appearances, he struggled to hold down a first-team spot.
With new management and some momentum built from his form towards the end of the campaign, Ansu looks well placed to have a big role at Monaco next season – and that is something that Barcelona would love, for sentimental reasons as much as the financial reward it could bring via his sell on.
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