Analysis: It looks increasingly likely that Barcelona will try to sell Ansu Fati – but is it the right decision?

It will be a crucial summer transfer window for Barcelona for several reasons. They need to continue to improve their financial situation, which is still crippling at this stage. However, they also need to sign new players, something their next manager – whoever that is – will be demanding upon arrival. To do both, significant sales will be required.

One of those who seems to be on the chopping block is Ansu Fati. The 21-year-old has had a difficult season so far at Brighton and Hove Albion, having been sidelined for nearly three months with a calf injury. He is now recovered, and hopes to help the Premier League side finish the campaign as strongly as possible.

Fati was loaned out last summer after being unimpressed by Xavi Hernandez. Despite the fact that he announced his intention to leave his position as head coach of Barcelona at the end of the season, Transfers say that Fati still does not have a place in the first team for next season, so a sale is very likely. In addition to this, the report claims that Barcelona will demand at least 40 million euros from any club that wants to sign Fati in the summer.

First, it could be wise for Barcelona to immediately cool the sale of Fati, since he deserves the pre-season at least to test the next manager. This is especially the case when you consider that they are not blessed with many options on the left wing, especially if Joao Felix returns to Atletico Madrid and is unable to return.

However, if Barcelona decide to commit and sell Fati, €40 million seems like a fair price. He is still very young, and he can absolutely fulfill the potential that he should as a 16-year-old break into the first team. At the same time, he has struggled for consistent form over the last two seasons, so an even bigger price tag may not be deserved.

Fati is clear that his first choice is to stay Barcelona and prove that he deserves another shot, even if there is none, he is just as willing to move. There is certainly a space to say that it deserves a new beginning, and that it should come with a new manager at the helm, but with the financial woes of the club that have not improved, the highest can take the situation in their hands before the next coach has the opportunity to evaluate things.