Few names in recent La Masia history have carried as much excitement as Ansu Fati. Once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, the forward burst onto the scene at just 16 years old, dazzling Barcelona fans with his flair, composure, and fearlessness. For a while, it looked as though a new superstar had been born.
However, fate had other plans. A devastating injury against Real Betis halted Fati’s meteoric rise, and what followed was a long, painful recovery that stretched beyond a year. Since then, the youngster’s career has been blighted by recurring fitness issues and inconsistency, stalling the momentum that once made him one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
Desperate to reignite his career, Fati accepted a loan move to Brighton & Hove Albion, but his time in the Premier League failed to spark the revival many hoped for. Last season under Hansi Flick, opportunities were limited once again — prompting Barcelona to sanction another loan, this time to AS Monaco.
Under Adi Hütter, Fati’s reintegration was handled with care. The Austrian coach eased him back into first-team action, prioritising match fitness and confidence over immediate impact. That patience is now paying off.
In just three Ligue 1 appearances, Fati has scored five goals, averaging a goal every 32 minutes — an astonishing return that has quickly reminded Europe of his talent. His resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed either. According to Fichajes, several Premier League sides, including Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, and Everton, are monitoring his progress closely.
Each club sees something different in the rejuvenated Spaniard. Newcastle believe he could strengthen their long-term project under Eddie Howe; Palace view him as a potential game-changer in attack; and Everton, rebuilding under Sean Dyche, regard him as the kind of youthful, dynamic presence their squad desperately needs.
Monaco hold an €11 million option to buy Fati outright at the end of the season, though Barcelona inserted a €28 million buy-back clause — a clear sign they still believe in his potential. Should his form continue on this trajectory, a return to Catalonia could well be on the cards.
At just 22 years old, Ansu Fati has already endured the full spectrum of a footballer’s life — soaring highs, crushing lows, and everything in between. Now, with his confidence restored and his smile back, he appears ready to write the next chapter of his remarkable story. Whether that chapter unfolds in Monaco, the Premier League, or back at the Camp Nou, one thing is certain: Ansu Fati’s comeback is only just beginning.