Ansu Fati expected in Marseille

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By: Nicolas Gerbault

Future opponent of OM in the Europa League, Brighton formalized the signing of Ansu Fati on Friday, on loan from FC Barcelona until the end of the season.

It gets more complicated for OM. While Marseille inherited a “group of death” in the Europa League on Friday, with Ajax Amsterdam, Brighton and AEK Athens, one of its future opponents on the continental scene took advantage of the last day of this summer transfer window to achieve a very nice shot. In the wake of the C3 draw, the Seagulls have effectively announced the signing of Ansu Fati from FC Barcelona.

In lack of playing time under the orders of Xavi in ​​Catalonia, the young Spanish striker (20 years old) recently expressed the wish to change air. Several major European clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham, had then inquired but it was ultimately in the south of England that the former jewel of La Masia, for a time presented as the new Lionel Messi, will try to relaunch his career. . In the form of a one-season loan.

Heralded as the ‘new Messi’

During his professional debut with Barça, in 2019-2020, Ansu Fati had amazed his world by breaking several early records. He had notably become the youngest scorer in the club’s history in La Liga, at only 16 years old, just six days after joining the team. But after a promising first exercise (7 goals, 1 assist in 24 league games), a serious right knee injury cut him down in midair.

A torn meniscus kept him out of action for almost a year. Upon his return to the blaugrana group, Ansu Fati again felt his wings grow, even going so far as to inherit the number 10 left vacant by “la Pulga” when he left for PSG in 2021. But several physical glitches prevented him from regaining his best level and Xavi then preferred other players to him. A boon for Brighton. Another difficulty for OM.