Barcelona president\u00a0Josep\u00a0Maria\u00a0Bartomeu\u00a0has arrogantly claimed that talented youngster Ansu\u00a0Fati, who is being courted by Manchester United in the ongoing summer transfer market, will remain at the Blaugrana and play for the Catalans for the rest of his career.<\/p>\n
17-year-old Fati\u2019s recent rise through the ranks from Barcelona\u2019s academy La Masia to their first team has seen him score eight goals in 32 competitive appearances this season. Despite\u00a0Bartomeu\u00a0denying in a recent interview that Barcelona have received an official bid for the teenager, it was otherwise reported earlier the Catalans had rejected a $111 million from Man Utd for\u00a0Fati.<\/p>\n
Bartomeu\u00a0has disclosed in an exclusive interview with the Spanish media outlet SPORT that Barcelona will not let\u00a0Fati\u00a0go even if his release clause of $476 million is triggered, with the Barca chief affirming that the club won\u2019t sell\u00a0Fati\u00a0even if his transfer would help solve a part of their financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n
Accepting that Barcelona are struggling financially, Bartomeu has confirmed that they are looking to offload several players and not make any big purchases during the summer transfer window.<\/p>\n
The SPORT report has also disclosed that Fati\u2019s\u00a0representatives have already been informed\u00a0by the club about their decision to not sell him.<\/p>\n
“I haven’t spoken to him personally but I have with his representatives. I’ve told them that regardless of the offers that come in, the club doesn’t intend to negotiate with anyone. We want to aid his development and extend his time here so that he plays at Bar\u00e7a for the rest of his life,” said\u00a0Bartomeu\u00a0in the same interview.<\/p>\n
Fati\u2019s\u00a0current contract is with the Blaugrana\u2019s B-team but his recent galvanising performances with the main team are set to reap rewards as Barcelona are preparing a new contract for the Spain Under-21 player.<\/p>\n
When asked if Barcelona are viewing\u00a0Fati\u00a0as a potential captain for the future,\u00a0Bartomeu\u00a0said,<\/p>\n
“He’s 17-years-old and we don’t want to put that pressure on him. Right now, he needs to play and train with the best and be decisive in some matches. But without pressure. He’s adjusting to the team and his role will be decided when the time comes. Right now, it’s too soon.”<\/p>\n
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