29 March 2023 , 08:15
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Ansu Fati will not be leaving Barcelona despite recent 'concern' from his father, it has been claimed.
The Spain international forward became Barca's youngest ever scorer back in 2019, and featured for his country at the 2022 World Cup. He has suffered injury issues throughout his time at Camp Nou, though, and has played less than 1,000 minutes of league football this term.
Xavi's team bolstered their forward line over the summer with the additions of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, limiting Fati's opportunities. Despite the worries of his father Bori, though, the 20-year-old does not look to be going anywhere in a hurry.
As reported by Sport, Bori Fati met with Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany and sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff to discuss his son's future. He is said to have been concerned by his son's lack of minutes this season, while pointing to the contributions the youngster has made when given the chance to do so.
However, Alemany and Cruyff are said to have reassured Bori that Ansu is very much part of the club's plans. The report suggests a summer transfer for the forward has been 'completely ruled out', with Barca expected to rely on their academy talent as they chase a domestic double.
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While Barca dropped out of the Champions League early and lost a Europa League play-off against Manchester United, things are looking rosier for them back home. Xavi's side are 12 points clear in the league after a late Clasico victory over Real Madrid, and hold a 1-0 first-leg advantage over Los Blancos in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Does Ansu Fati deserve more playing time? Have your say in the comments section
Barcelona have no plans to sell Ansu Fati (AP)Barcelona could be set to further strengthen their frontline over the summer, with reports on the continent suggesting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may return to Camp Nou. The Gabon striker's summer switch to Chelsea has not gone to plan, with Graham Potter leaving him out of the Champions League squad for the second half of the season.
Another man linked with a return is Lionel Messi, though a move for the PSG star is far from a done deal. Nevertheless, Sergio Aguero - who ended his playing career at Barcelona and played international football with Messi - has suggested there remains a chance.
“I think Leo Messi should retire at Barca," Aguero told TyC Sports. "Barcelona is his home and he should finish his career there. My feeling is that there is a 50% chance that he will return.”
Messi, who has also been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia or the United States, played his first minutes for Argentina since their World Cup win as they claimed two friendly victories in March. After he netted against Panama, a hat-trick against Curacao brought him up to 102 international goals.