One of the sales Barcelona have prioritised ahead of the summer transfer window is finalising the exit agreement for Ansu Fati to AS Monaco.
The La Masia graduate spent last season on loan at the Ligue 1 club and gave a good account of himself, despite not being a starter.
The Spaniard is on the verge of ending a difficult chapter at Camp Nou, with the transfer likely to be finalised before June 30.
While the move would mark another significant departure in Barcelona’s summer plans, the club are seemingly not prepared to completely close the door on the forward’s future.
According to journalist Gabriel Sans on Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will retain a €29 million buyback clause as part of the agreement for Ansu Fati’s sale.
Ansu Fati, AS Monaco player
Ansu Fati is set to join AS Monaco. (Photo courtesy: X/AS_Monaco_EN)
The inclusion of such a clause offers Barcelona protection in a situation where they would be able to bring him back if he goes on to explode and hit his previous heights.
Barcelona still believe in Ansu’s talent
Despite the various setbacks that have disrupted his progress, few inside Barcelona have forgotten the level Ansu showed during the early stages of his career.
At one point, he was viewed as the natural heir to the club’s next generation, breaking records and establishing himself in the first team while still a teenager.
However, injuries, inconsistent availability and fierce competition for places prevented him from becoming the player many expected him to be at Camp Nou.
Right now, parting ways is the best solution, but this is Barcelona’s way of saying that this goodbye could be a “see you later”.
Buyback clause keeps future possibilities alive
Ansu Fati, Barcelona player
Barcelona have retained a buyback clause in Ansu Fati’s contract. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The €29 million buyback option is perhaps the most interesting part of the deal.
If Ansu rediscovers his best form in France and finally enjoys the continuity that has been missing throughout much of his career, Barcelona would have the opportunity to bring him back without entering a complicated bidding war.
Even otherwise, the club will wish him nothing but success. Even fans would love to see Fati go on to hit the heights once envisioned for his career, even if it is in a different shirt.
Ansu’s story should not be judged solely by the difficult years he has endured. Barcelona are prepared to let him leave, but they are also ensuring that a path back remains available.
For one of La Masia’s biggest talents, that is the least the club can do.