AS Monaco is moving to secure the permanent signing of Spanish international forward Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Ligue 1 club will activate the purchase option included in Fati's loan agreement.
The deal to make Fati's move permanent will cost Monaco approximately €11 million, which is roughly equivalent to 2 billion Japanese Yen. The 23-year-old joined the principality club last July on a season-long loan with this option attached.
Fati burst onto the scene at Barcelona, making his first-team debut in August 2019. He was famously handed the iconic number 10 shirt, previously worn by Lionel Messi, ahead of the 2021-22 season. However, his progress at Camp Nou was significantly hampered by recurring injuries.
His struggles led to a decline in his standing within the Barcelona squad. Seeking regular playing time, Fati spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League. That stint yielded a modest return of four goals in 30 official matches.
Upon returning to Barcelona last season, Fati found opportunities limited, making only 11 appearances. This context made the loan move to Monaco a crucial step for his career revival.
This season with Monaco, Fati has demonstrated a significant resurgence. While not yet a guaranteed starter, he has featured in 28 official matches and found the back of the net 11 times. This productive campaign has evidently convinced the club to invest in his future.
The decision to exercise the buy option marks a new chapter for the talented forward, who will now look to build on his rejuvenated form in the French top flight on a permanent basis. Based on reporting from サッカーキング.