Ansu Fati could leave Barcelona this week

After a stalled start, it looks like the deal to send Ansu Fati to Monaco is finally gaining momentum. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Barcelona and the French club have accelerated in recent days, and the agreement is now on the verge of being finalized. Fati is expected to undergo a medical exam later this week, a key step before the move becomes official.

Ansu need to be playing regularly

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco didn’t mince words in a recent interview with La Vanguardia. He emphasized that the team’s No. 10 can’t afford to spend another season on the sidelines like he did under coach Hansi Flick. “At his age, with the career he has ahead of him, he can’t go another year without playing,” Deco said. “We’re open to facilitating his departure. Monaco has spoken with us. The player wants a loan move.”

The loan deal for Ansu Fati had hit a wall over one key issue: money. Monaco wasn’t willing to cover the full cost of Fati’s salary, and Barcelona—eager to free up space on their wage bill—wasn’t keen on footing the difference. Monaco reportedly offered to pay just 40% of his wages, a figure Barça deemed far too low.

Beyond the salary standoff, the two clubs also clashed over the structure of the purchase option. Barcelona wanted to retain some control over Fati’s future, possibly through a buy-back clause or a significant percentage of any future sale. Monaco, on the other hand, pushed for more favorable terms on their end, including a non-mandatory purchase option reportedly set around €12 million (roughly $13 million).

Once the loan deal between Barcelona and Monaco becomes official—which could happen any day now—many of the lingering questions will finally be answered. The two clubs, who faced off in this season’s Champions League, have been ironing out the final details of the agreement.

Regardless of the fine print, one thing is clear: Barcelona stands to gain significant salary cap relief. Ansu Fati’s wages rank among the highest on the squad (he’s the fifth top earner, earning around $15 million net per year), and offloading even a portion of that burden would give the club much-needed financial breathing space as it continues to reshape its roster

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