“When he’s at his best, Barcelona will need him” - Agent of Barcelona star makes confident claim on his client’s future at Camp Nou
Super agent Jorge Mendes has backed Barcelona star Ansu Fati to come good for the club. The 22-year-old forward has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Fati has endured a difficult time at Barca following a string of devastaing injuries that have stalled his progress.The 22-year-old winger broke into Barcelona's first team at a tender age of 16. He made his LaLiga debut during a 5-2 win over Real Betis in the 2019-20 season, becoming the second-youngest player to debut for Barcelona.
Fati, also became the club's youngest ever goalscorer at just 16 years and 304 days when he scored in a 2-2 away draw to Ousasuna.
He soon became one of Europe's hottest prospects. However, the Spain international hasn't been able to live up to his full potential as he has been plagued by a series of injuries.
With his current contract expected to expire in 2027, there are already talks of Barca being open to letting Fati leave on loan in January. Meanwhile, the player's agent, Mendes, has addressed the rumors, stressing that it's up to Barcelona to decide if he will leave or not. He said (via Barca Universal):
"These are questions for Barça. Barça knows better the plans they have and what the coach thinks. In football, everything changes in five minutes. We must wait and see. He has proven that he had the courage to play for Barça and that he has an incredible level.
"What Ansu needs is confidence and to solve his problems. And when he is at his best, Barça will need him."
Fati, meanwhile, has fallen down the pecking order at the club. He currently finds himself behind the likes of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Pau Victor, Ferran Torres and Raphinha this season.
Jorge Mendes blames Barcelona star's misfortunes on injuries and bad luck
From being the toast at the club few seasons ago to inheriting the famous number 10 shirt from Barca legend Lionel Messi, Fati has seen his career take a downward slide.
The 22-year-old forward has played just 158 minutes of football action for Barcelona this season.
Meanwhile, Mendes has expressed optimism that Fati will be able to turn his current fortunes around. Speaking to, Mundo Derpotivo, he said:
"Two years ago, he was at the top of the world, and he has really had bad luck.
“I hope that soon he will overcome all these adversities, and he will for sure, because he is a tremendous player. He is a great player who, unfortunately, has been punished by injuries, but he is a player who has won the heart of the Barça fans.”