From being compared to Messi to leaving for 10 million: the future of a great promise

When he first appeared in Barcelona's first team in late 2019, it was said that a new star had been born. His name was mentioned alongside Lionel Messi, as the player who could take the Argentine's mantle in the future. At just 16 years old, Ansu Fati made an indelible impression on fans and the football world. His skill and maturity on the pitch quickly made him one of football's biggest prospects, with a market value that reached up to 80 million euros. However, what seemed like the beginning of a glorious career began to unravel due to constant injuries, and now Barcelona are willing to let him go for a surprisingly low figure: just 10 million euros.

The surprisingly low price: What happened to the "new Messi"?

It is hard to imagine that, initially, Fati was compared to Messi, one of the greatest players in history. At such a young age, he not only showed an impressive level but also shared the pitch with the Argentine legend. The expectations were sky-high, and his talent seemed to be the future of a Barcelona that, at that time, was preparing for a new era without Messi's dominant presence. But what seemed like the beginning of a glorious career was interrupted by injuries.

Fati's first physical problems began with minor discomforts, but in 2020, his knee let him down and he suffered a meniscus tear that kept him off the pitch for more than 10 months. It was a devastating blow not only for him but also for Barcelona, who saw him as one of the key pieces for the future. During his absence, the club went through a series of ups and downs and internal crises, and expectations around Fati were replaced by new faces in the attack. Despite his return to the field, the player was never able to recover the level that had propelled him to worldwide fame.

A market value in free fall

Today, at just 22 years old, Ansu Fati is no longer considered a key player at Barcelona. Under the management of Xavi Hernandez and, more recently, with the arrival of Hansi Flick, Fati has been relegated to the background. He has played only 8 matches this season, and his lack of minutes clearly reflects the lack of confidence that coaches have in him. This, combined with his recurring physical problems, has caused his market value to plummet dramatically. While in his best moments, when he shone alongside Messi, his price reached up to 80 million euros, today Barcelona have set his departure at a surprisingly low figure: just 10 million euros.

A bargain for other clubs?

The price is, without a doubt, astonishing considering the talent Fati demonstrated in his early years at Barcelona. The question now is: why so low? The answer lies in the physical problems that have plagued his career. Injuries have overshadowed his potential, and although he remains a young player with great promise, the risk of investing in him for a high price no longer seems attractive to the Catalan club. Furthermore, with the lack of minutes and the need to generate resources to reinforce other positions, Barcelona feel compelled to accept an offer much lower than originally expected.

What does the future hold for Fati?

With a price of 10 million euros, it is likely that several clubs will show interest in the forward. However, the question remains whether any team will be willing to take a chance on a player with such an extensive injury history. Despite this, Fati is still a great prospect, and with the right care and an environment where he can recover his confidence and physical form, he still has the potential to shine in elite football.

Barcelona, for its part, faces the difficult task of deciding whether Fati's future lies at the club or if they must let him go for a fraction of what he was once worth. What seemed like the start of a glorious era with a "new Messi" at Barcelona has now turned into an enigma, with Fati's future hanging in the balance.