Ansu Fati’s hopes of resurrecting his Barcelona career are over. The arrival of Anthony Gordon has convinced the La Masia graduate that no path back to Hansi Flick’s first team exists, and he is now on the verge of joining AS Monaco on a permanent deal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, an agreement between Monaco and the player’s camp—led by super-agent Jorge Mendes—is close after Fati gave his final approval. While an exact date for the official announcement remains unspecified, sources indicate that the Principality club is prepared to trigger a purchase option worth approximately €11 million .
The 23-year-old forward had been clinging to the hope of a return for the 2026-27 campaign. After a successful loan spell at Monaco—where he scored nine goals in 25 appearances and helped the club secure European qualification—Fati believed his strong physical form and Mendes’ influence might persuade the Barcelona board to give him another opportunity .
However, Barcelona’s swift acquisition of Anthony Gordon has definitively closed that door. The English international joined from Newcastle United for €70 million plus €10 million in variables on a five-year contract, becoming the first major signing of the summer . Gordon, who scored 17 goals last season, is exactly the profile Flick demanded for the left wing: pace, intensity, and proven output .
Flick’s stance has been clear for months. Reports from as early as March suggested the German coach had already communicated to Sporting Director Deco that Fati should be the first sale of the 2026-27 window, citing “episodes of discomfort” and a lack of total commitment from the player during the previous season . With Gordon now in the squad, Fati no longer fits the wage structure or the tactical plan.
Financial Relief for Barcelona
For the Catalan club, this sale is a financial necessity. The €11 million fee represents pure profit on the books, as Fati came through the youth system. More importantly, his departure will free up approximately €12 million in annual salary mass—crucial space needed to register new signings and comply with La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations .
Monaco, eager to retain the Spanish forward after his impressive revival in Ligue 1, has agreed to the terms. The only remaining hurdle has been negotiating a significant reduction in Fati’s current wages, a condition the French side imposed before completing the permanent move .
Barring a dramatic last-minute twist, Ansu Fati’s turbulent chapter at Barcelona—once destined to be the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne—is set to close permanently, allowing him to continue his rebirth on the French Riviera.
