A big and unexpected signing for Brighton! Ansu Fati arrives from Barcelona

Now that’s a big change. And a very interesting signing for Brighton though, if he can kick-start his flagging career again. Ansu Fati started for Barcelona when he was 17, but injuries have held him back. Now he will attempt a restart in the Premier League.

Ansu Fati was a huge talent. At the age of 17, he started playing for Barcelona’s A team alongside Lionel Messi, who praised him a lot.

In his first season he scored 8 goals and added an assist, and at the start of his second he managed to score 4 goals in 7 La Liga games and 1+2 in 3 Champions League games.

The world was at his feet, he even made the Spanish national team and was considered the greatest talent in the world. But then came a cruel fate. In November 2020, Fati tore ligaments in his knee, and unfortunately so badly that he missed not only the rest of the season, but a large part of the next one.

In addition, injuries continued to follow him until he started to play more regularly again last season, but his performances were less than ideal and he rarely started in the starting lineup. The same has been happening this season, with Fati starting three league games for 12, 23 and 15 minutes.

And with Barcelona bringing in Joao Cancelo and hunting for more reinforcements, someone with a big salary has to go. And the choice has fallen on Fati, who would also like to get more space.

There was talk on Wednesday of his possible departure to Tottenham, who were in talks with Barcelona about a loan move. But Spurs have jumped one bidder. Brighton.

The ambitious side, along with the Citizens, play probably the most attractive football in the Premier League, coach Roberto de Zerbi knows how to squeeze the most out of his players. He should get more space in the south of England than at Barcelona, but it won’t be free here either.

On the wings, de Zerbi relies on the reliable Mitoma and March, if there is space anywhere, it is on the sub-field where Danny Welbeck comes in. Alternatively, at the top, where youngsters João Pedro and Evan Ferguson take turns.

Fati joins Brighton on a one-year loan without an option. In addition, the Seagulls will cover most of his salary, with talk of up to 70%. The Spanish footballer is expected to arrive in the south of England during Thursday.

Source: Twitter, Fabrizio Romano