Transfer Centre

Joan Laporta addresses Ansu Fati future amid Manchester United speculation

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 09 February 2023

Laporta addresses Fati future amid Man United speculation

Barcelona president Joan Laporta addresses Ansu Fati's future amid the recent speculation surrounding the attacker and a potential move to Manchester United.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has played down suggestions that Ansu Fati's agent Jorge Mendes is currently speaking to a number of European clubs about his client.

The 20-year-old has found it difficult to fully overcome the injury problems that he has suffered in recent seasons, with the attacker struggling to make a serious impression at club level this season, only managing six goals and three assists in 31 appearances.

There is currently speculation surrounding the Spain international's future, with Manchester United believed to be interested in signing him during this summer's transfer window.

Meanwhile, a recent report claimed that Mendes is currently speaking to a number of European teams to gauge whether there is any serious interest in the attacker.

Ansu Fati celebrates scoring for Barcelona on September 10, 2022 © Reuters

Laporta, though, has insisted that the speculation surrounding Mendes is not true, and the president said that Barcelona still "have high hopes" for Fati.

"He is a Barca player, in whom we have high hopes and we have no news that his agent wants to do anything," Laporta told reporters during a press conference.

Fati missed 47 matches for Barcelona between November 2020 and September 2021 due to a serious knee injury, and he has since been missing for long spells due to hamstring issues.

Speaking earlier this month, Barcelona boss Xavi said that the club still have full faith in the forward.

Ansu Fati celebrates scoring for Barcelona on August 21, 2022 © Reuters

"Things will work out for him, we have to be patient, he is a spectacular asset for the club, we trust him a lot, he is working very well, he has a tremendous mentality in training, but we need to be patient," the head coach told reporters.

"He is 20 years old and needs time, like everyone else. This is not the time to talk about sales."

Barcelona are currently in a strong position when it comes to the Spaniard's future, as he has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2027, with the option of an additional two years.

Fati will not turn 21 until October but he has already made 89 appearances for his Catalan side, scoring 25 goals and contributing nine assists in the process.