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£144m masterstroke – Why Barcelona’s deal for teenage star is an incredible step forward

Why Barcelona’s deal for the incredible Ansu Fati is a huge step

According to Sky Sports, Barcelona have tied down teenage star Ansu Fati to a new three-year deal, which includes a whopping £144million release clause.

The new deal will keep the Bissau-born lad with the Catalonia side until 2022.

Teenage forward Ansu Fati in action for FC Barcelona.
Teenage forward Ansu Fati in action for FC Barcelona. (Getty Images)

The 17-year-old winger’s release clause has been increased from £84million to £144million and would rise up to £338million when he signs a full-time professional contract with them, the Sky Sports report added.

Fati, who joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2012, became the youngest ever player to score a La Liga goal in the club’s history, aged 16 years and 304 days.

The young forward has achieved this rare feat in his debut La Liga season for the Spanish giants. It came in the match against Osasuna earlier in August, when he scored in the second half to help his side finish the game 2-2 on level terms.

Ansu Fati in full flow for Barcelona.
Ansu Fati in full flow for Barcelona. (Getty Images)

The teenager has appeared in nine league matches for the Blaugrana and has found the target twice so far. He also has one assist to his name.

Manager Ernesto Valverde has also picked him for their Champions League group stage encounters this season. Until now, he has played two games – against Borussia Dortmund and Slavia Prague – but is yet to open his account in the European competition.

Predominantly a winger, Fati has mostly been deployed on the left flank by Valverde but he is comfortable playing anywhere in the attack.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde.
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Barcelona, after a few initial mishaps early in the season, are sitting comfortably on top of the La Liga table, with 11 wins from 15 games.

With Lionel Messi still in their ranks, Barcelona have looked comfortable up front, scoring 41 goals so far. The Argentine is their leading goal-scorer with 12 to his name.

However, that has not been the case with the rest. Veteran striker Luis Suarez has looked a bit off-colour this season after being troubled by injuries. He is not been as sharp as he used to be and has 8 goals.

Veteran striker Luis Suarez of Barcelona. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, summer signing Antoine Griezmann has not entirely adjusted to the new conditions at Camp Nou having been deployed in a wider position in the attack. The Frenchman has scored 5 goals since arriving.

With Messi looking as sharp as ever, things have not been difficult for the Catalonians yet. However, it would not be so in the long run, with Barcelona having just 2 strikers in the squad at the moment.

Suarez is already 32 and Griezmann surely needs more time to get into his groove. Hence, Barcelona signing a new deal for the young Fati comes as a no-brainer.

Ansu Fati has a very bright future in the footballing world (Getty Images)
Ansu Fati has a very bright future in the footballing world (Getty Images)

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Verdict

With Griezmann yet to find rhythm and Suarez already showing signs of ageing, Barcelona are in need of a young face who could help them stay as a top footballing force in the future.

Moreover, with the young Fati being an academy graduate and already on the scoresheet, it is indeed a viable future investment by the Catalonians.