Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce plotting summer swoop for Barcelona star - Reports
According to Marca, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho set his sights on Barcelona winger Ansu Fati. The Spanish winger was initially tipped to achieve great things at the Catalan club but has seen his stock fall in recent years due to injuries.
Injuries have taken their toll on the player once hailed to be the successor to Lionel Messi and handed his famous number 10 jersey at the club. He endured a disappointing loan spell with English side Brighton and Hove Albion that saw him score four goals and one assist in 27 appearances for the South Coast club.
The Portuguese manager has been tasked with leading the Istanbul club back to the top of Turkish football and could see the Spaniard as a useful step to achieve that goal. However, it remains to be seen if Barcelona will be willing to do business with Jose Mourinho following his tense relationship with the club.
The legendary manager began his career at the Catalan club but went on to manage their eternal rivals, Real Madrid. His tenure in the Spanish capital led to some of the most intense El Clasico matches in football history.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho’s complex relationship with Barcelona
Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has a complex history with Barcelona. The iconic manager began his coaching career at the Catalan giants during his tenure as Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant.
His relationship with the club turned combative after his departure with Robson. The animosity first bubbled to the surface when he faced them with Chelsea in the Champions League, where he accused them of “anti-football” tactics.
His rivalry with the club intensified after he took the reins at Inter Milan who famously knocked them out of the UEFA Champions League en route to winning the competition.
The most memorable and intense chapter in Mourinho's history with Barcelona came during his stint as Real Madrid's coach from 2010 to 2013. The Portuguese tactician breathed fire into the intense El Clásico rivalry.
The infamous "eye-poke" incident involving Mourinho and Guardiola's assistant, Tito Vilanova, would be the pinnacle of his rivalry with the club before he departed Spain.
'The Special One' is now reportedly interested in doing business with the Spanish giants with La Masia graduate Ansu Fati wanted by his Fenerbahce side.