Ansu Fati’s potential return to Barcelona next season appears to be intricately linked to the club’s ongoing search for a new manager, according to a report from SPORT. Notably, Roberto De Zerbi, a candidate for the role, shares a strong rapport with the young forward, potentially making his return a more fruitful one.
The report claims that De Zerbi and Fati developed a positive relationship during the latter’s loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. Should the Italian tactician be chosen to succeed Xavi Hernández, it suggests a high possibility of Fati returning to his boyhood club with a prominent role in the team.
While primarily used as a substitute at Brighton, Fati has showcased his talent with four goals and an assist during his loan period. Despite limited playing time, his relationship with De Zerbi remains positive, potentially paving the way for a more significant contribution upon his return.
A picture that says a thousand words
In a recent Instagram post, young Barcelona star Ansu Fati shared a photo alongside his current Brighton & Hove Albion manager, Roberto De Zerbi. The image depicts a friendly atmosphere, also featuring members of De Zerbi’s coaching staff. This seemingly innocuous interaction has sparked speculation about Fati’s future, with some suggesting a potential reunion with De Zerbi at Barcelona.
De Zerbi is known to be a strong admirer of Fati’s talent, having publicly expressed his belief in the young player’s potential. He has emphasized the need for Fati to rediscover his best form and recapture the magic that once made him a fan favorite at Camp Nou.
While the photo itself does not confirm any concrete developments, it has undoubtedly fueled rumors about a potential transfer or loan move for Fati. With his playing time at Barcelona currently limited due to fierce competition, the prospect of a reunion with a manager who believes in him could be appealing.
However, it is important to note that this remains purely speculation at this stage. Neither Barcelona nor Fati have made any official statements regarding his future. The photo could simply be a friendly gesture between a player and his former manager, with no hidden meaning attached.
Therefore, it is crucial to approach this news with caution and avoid drawing definitive conclusions based solely on social media activity. Only time will tell what the future holds for Ansu Fati and whether his paths with De Zerbi will intertwine once again.
A return on the cards?
Ansu Fati, who inherited the prestigious number 10 jersey at Barcelona following Lionel Messi’s departure, faces a crucial period in his career. His performances over the remaining Premier League matches will significantly influence his future at Barcelona, especially if the club chooses not to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager.
While De Zerbi’s potential arrival at Barcelona would significantly increase the likelihood of Ansu’s return next summer, the young forward’s future remains uncertain at this stage. He has recently recovered from a series of injuries this season and is being gradually reintegrated into the Brighton & Hove Albion team by manager De Zerbi.
With 13 Premier League matches remaining, Ansu has the opportunity to showcase his talent and potential. His performance during this period will be closely scrutinized by Barcelona management as they make decisions regarding his future at the club.