Ansu Fati to undergo medical ahead of sudden Barcelona loan exit
- Brighton have agreed to sign Fati on loan
- Numerous clubs in England expressed an interest in the young winger
- Deal does not include the option for a permanent transfer
Ansu Fati is set to undergo a medical with Brighton & Hove Albion as he closes in on a loan move away from Barcelona, 90min understands.
Having struggled to showcase his best form since returning from the devastating injury problems that cost him almost two years of his career, Fati was made available for transfer earlier this summer but rebuffed all approaches in the hope of re-establishing himself at Barcelona.
However, the emergence of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has contributed to Fati's decision to seek a move away from Catalonia and sources have confirmed to 90min that he has agreed to join Brighton for the remainder of the season.
Several Premier League sides voiced an interest in Fati, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur among the sides to ask for updates on the 20-year-old, but it is Brighton who have won the race for his signature.
Fati is now heading to England to undergo a medical ahead of putting pen to paper on a season-long loan which does not include a permanent purchase clause. 90min understands Brighton have agreed to cover around 75% of Fati's wages.
Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi is understood to have played a huge role in pushing for Fati to choose the AMEX Stadium as his next destination.
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Should his move to Brighton go through as expected, Fati will be given the chance to restart his career away from the spotlight in Barcelona, with the youngster keen to find regular starting opportunities after several seasons of frustration.
Fati exploded on to the scene as a youngster but a serious knee injury in November 2020 led to a whole host of fitness concerns derailed close to two years of his career.
The 2022/23 season saw Fati return to consistent action and he managed 51 appearances across all competitions, but the winger started just 14 games in all competitions as Xavi appeared to lose faith. Despite his limited role, Fati still managed ten goals and four assists.
A versatile forward who plays primarily on the left, Fati will fill the void at Brighton left behind by Leandro Trossard's switch to Arsenal, with Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma his biggest competitor for minutes.
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