After 37 Days of Injury, Barcelona's No. 10 Ansu Fati Returns! But With No Goals or Assists This Season, Could a Winter Loan Be on the Horizon?

On December 20, Barcelona officially announced some much-needed good news: Ansu Fati has received the green light from the medical team and is now fit to return to action. This brief statement, however, carries a heavy weight of frustration and unfulfilled potential. The young forward, once considered the future of Barcelona, has returned from yet another injury, but under the management of Xavi’s successor, Julian Nagelsmann, Fati finds himself without a clear role in the team.

Fati's story at Barcelona has been one of immense promise, followed by a series of unfortunate setbacks. In the 2024-25 season, Fati has played just 158 minutes across seven appearances in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, failing to score or provide an assist. His injury woes have continued to plague his career, and with the competition for places in the squad growing ever fiercer, Fati's future at Barcelona looks uncertain.

The Latest Injury and Its Impact

Fati’s most recent setback occurred on November 13, when he suffered a right hamstring injury during a training session. This injury kept him sidelined for 37 days, forcing him to miss seven matches for Barcelona. It’s just the latest in a long line of injuries that have hindered his progress since his meteoric rise to stardom a few years ago.

Back in 2020, Fati was one of the most exciting young talents in world football. At just 17, he was already a key player for Barcelona and had made his debut for the Spanish national team. However, his career took a significant blow when he tore the meniscus in his left knee in November 2020. That injury required four surgeries and caused him to miss over a year of action. Since then, Fati has struggled to return to his previous level, and his career trajectory has taken a downward turn.

His value, once soaring at €80 million in August 2020, has since plummeted to just €15 million, a reflection of both his injury history and the lack of opportunities at Barcelona. At just 22 years old, Fati finds himself struggling to secure a regular spot in a team that has undergone significant changes under Nagelsmann.

The Struggle for Playing Time

With Robert Lewandowski, Vitor Roque, and Raphinha firmly entrenched as the starting front three, Fati has been unable to break into the first XI. Even in the attacking midfield role, Fati faces stiff competition from players like Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Pablo Torre. Despite his versatility, Nagelsmann has tried using Fati as a left-winger and right-winger, but the results have been underwhelming.

This weekend, Barcelona will face Atlético Madrid at home in a crucial La Liga clash. With Yamal out injured, there is a potential opening on the right-wing, and Fati may get a chance to feature, although the competition for that spot is fierce, with Ferran Torres and Fermin Lopez also in the mix. While Fati’s return from injury is a positive development, it’s clear that his place in the team remains uncertain.

For Fati, the situation at Barcelona is becoming increasingly difficult. Despite his immense talent, he is struggling to find a consistent role in a team that has moved on from the era of Lionel Messi. With his contract running until 2027 and a significant salary, Fati’s future at Barcelona could be in jeopardy.

A Possible Winter Loan Move?

Reports from Spanish media suggest that Fati may be considering a move away from Barcelona in the upcoming winter transfer window. Sevilla is reportedly interested in bringing the young forward to the Andalusian club, and Fati could be open to a move within La Liga. A loan move would allow Fati to gain regular playing time and rebuild his confidence, which has been shattered by years of injury struggles and limited opportunities at Barcelona.

For Fati, staying in Spain and continuing his development in La Liga might be the best option. Sevilla, a club with a rich history and a strong fanbase, could provide the perfect environment for Fati to regain his form. With Sevilla currently struggling in La Liga, a player of Fati’s potential could be just the spark they need to turn their season around.

Barcelona, on the other hand, could be open to a loan move if it means giving Fati the opportunity to play regularly and regain his value. Reports suggest that Barcelona has been monitoring Sevilla’s 22-year-old midfielder, Tanguy Nianzou, and could use Fati as part of a deal to bring him to the Camp Nou. Nianzou, known for his excellent tactical awareness and ball-winning abilities, is highly regarded by Nagelsmann, and Barcelona may look to bolster their midfield in the coming months.

The Financial Challenge

One of the biggest hurdles in any potential move for Fati is his substantial salary. Fati currently earns €14 million per year before tax, making him the third-highest earner at Barcelona, behind Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong. This salary, combined with the remaining two and a half years on his contract, means that Barcelona would need to find a club willing to cover a significant portion of Fati’s wages.

Fati, for his part, is unlikely to take a pay cut to move to a club like Sevilla, who are unlikely to match his current salary. This financial challenge could complicate any potential transfer or loan deal, as Barcelona will need to find a solution that satisfies both Fati’s financial demands and their own need to offload players in order to balance the books.

What’s Next for Fati?

As the winter transfer window approaches, Fati’s future remains uncertain. While a move to Sevilla could provide the young forward with the opportunity to rediscover his best form, there are still many factors to consider. Fati’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2027, and the financial aspects of any potential move will need to be carefully negotiated.

For now, Fati’s focus will likely be on returning to full fitness and proving himself in the limited opportunities he is given at Barcelona. However, with the team’s attacking options becoming more competitive, Fati’s time at the Camp Nou may be running out. A loan move in January could be the best solution for all parties involved, giving Fati the chance to play regularly while allowing Barcelona to evaluate their options moving forward.

In the end, Fati’s story is one of immense potential, but also one of frustration and missed opportunities. Whether he remains at Barcelona or moves on to a new challenge, the next few months could be crucial in determining the future of one of Spain’s most talented young players.