Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández reveals Ansu Fati's potential move to Real Madrid

Posted : 18 August 2023

Barcelona's coach, Xavi Hernández, responded with surprise when asked about reports suggesting that Ansu Fati might join Real Madrid, after Carlo Ancelotti refrained from completely dismissing the possibility of a surprise move for the forward.

Ansu Fati, aged 20, has experienced periods of inclusion and absence from the Barça lineup due to a series of injuries he recovered from last summer. He has often been linked with a potential departure from the club. Even this week, there has been speculation about a move across the Clásico rivalry. However, Xavi firmly believes that Fati still holds a significant role for Barcelona's future.

When asked about Ancelotti's failure to entirely dismiss the rumors earlier in the day, Xavi responded during a press conference on Friday, "Is that a joke or what? I was very clear on Ansu last week. He is a massive asset to the club now and in the future. I can't be any more clear. I don't understand the debate being generated around him. He is a Barça player and we are counting on him. He is in good form and we are happy with his performances. We hope we can stop speaking about this now because it makes no sense."

Regarding Madrid coach Ancelotti's earlier statement, "What I can say is Ansu Fati is a young player with a lot of talent and he will have a great future, I'll stop there."

During the last season, Fati scored 10 goals in 51 appearances, frequently being utilized as a substitute. He also made an appearance as a substitute in Barça's season-opening goalless draw against Getafe last weekend.

Fati's progress has been hindered by a series of significant injuries after his breakthrough as a 16-year-old. This has prompted Barcelona to contemplate the possibility of a move, either on loan or permanently, for his development. While Xavi dismissed the links to Madrid, he acknowledged that the club might have to make challenging decisions before the transfer window closes, taking into account the club's financial situation.

Xavi mentioned, "We have a difficult situation with the fair-play issue. It is a complex situation that we are struggling with. You can see it in the issue of registrations [Marcos Alonso, Iñaki Peña, and Iñigo Martínez are not yet registered with LaLiga]. In the end, we will have to evaluate and focus on the priorities for the team and make decisions based on that."

Xavi also clarified that his relationship with Deco is not strained, despite the recent appointment of Deco as Barça's new sporting director. Xavi explained, "[Alemany's exit] is a decision taken by the club. We've been working well together on a day-to-day basis, like with Jordi previously. But that doesn't mean I'm speaking ill of Deco. I have a great relationship with him and have done since we were teammates. It's completely false that we don't get on."

Xavi revealed that defender Ronald Araújo is likely to be sidelined until after the September international break due to an injury sustained in training. Barça is set to face Cádiz in their first LaLiga game at their temporary home in Montjuic while Camp Nou undergoes redevelopment.

Reflecting on his two-game touchline ban following his sending off against Getafe, Xavi noted that he needs to better manage his emotions, stating, "We have to accept it, I can't say much more or generate more controversy. The anger has passed, and I am focused on what I can control. Maybe I have to control myself more."

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández reveals Ansu Fati's potential move to Real Madrid

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