Revealed: Why Barcelona rejected Man Utd’s ₦186 billion bid for Lionel Messi’s heir who flopped at Brighton

Barcelona president Joan Laporta | Daily Mail

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta | Daily Mail

Revealed: Why Barcelona rejected Man Utd’s ₦186 billion bid for Lionel Messi’s heir who flopped at Brighton

Ayoola Kelechi 17:46 - 27.09.2024

The Premier League giants were once desperate for the youngster but Barcelona refused to budge

Barcelona’s young star Ansu Fati was once hailed as Lionel Messi’s heir, but things haven’t gone according to plan.

After an injury-riddled few seasons and an underwhelming loan at Brighton, Fati’s career has yet to take off as expected.

Fati’s injuries and a Struggle for Form

Fati’s journey from La Masia prodigy to Messi’s replacement started with high hopes. He burst onto the scene in 2019, becoming Barcelona’s youngest-ever goalscorer and quickly earned the coveted No. 10 shirt after Messi's departure.

Fati had been compared to Lionel Messi, who left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

In 2020, Premier League giants Manchester United even made a massive ₦186 billion (€100 million) bid for Fati, but Barcelona turned it down, believing in his potential to become a world-class forward.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued his career, including a serious knee issue that sidelined him for over a year.

Ansu Fati ahead of Brighton's Europa League loss to AEK Athens || Imago

His loan spell at Brighton last season was another low point, with Fati making only 27 appearances, including only eight starts, while scoring four goals, and struggling to make a lasting impact.

A fresh start under Flick

Despite these setbacks, Barcelona still have hope for Fati, hence their refusal to deal with Manchester United, and under new boss Flick, the Spaniard has gained a new lease on life.

Ansu Fati is back in the Barcelona first team | Credit: Imago

The German manager has spoken highly of Fati’s performance in training and is ready to give him another chance to prove himself.

With Barcelona off to a flying start in LaLiga after seven wins from seven games, Fati’s return to the squad could be the perfect opportunity for him to revive his career.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick pictured on August 21, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

Flick’s system is renowned for attacking through central spaces, which the Barcelona coach believes will suit Fati’s development and allow him to rediscover his brilliance.

Though Fati’s recent career struggles have dimmed the hype, Barcelona fans are still hopeful that their No. 10 can regain his confidence and become the star they once believed would be Messi’s heir.