Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has confirmed that the 22-year-old striker is in their sights ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Fati's strong return to Monaco attracts Spain's attention
Fati has made a meteoric return to form since arriving at Monaco on loan from Barcelona. The striker has been one of the most outstanding players in Ligue 1, scoring six goals and providing two assists in just five appearances in all competitions. His double in Monaco's 2-2 draw against Nice, two clean penalty goals, earned him the Player of the Match award and sent a clear message to those who doubted his return. After several frustrating seasons, marked by injuries and irregular spells at Barça and Brighton, Fati's renewed vivacity and confidence has revived hopes of a real revival.
Spain manager De la Fuente has now publicly admitted that Fati is back in the national team's plans. At a press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Georgia, the coach said : “Ansu Fati was on our list before being called up. We are closely monitoring all players likely to play for the national team. He scored five or six goals, and we evaluated him. What I can't confirm is that if anyone is missing, they will be replaced. But of course Ansu is on the list, and that's interesting. »
De la Fuente added that although injured striker Dani Olmo's replacement will not be called up immediately, Fati's recent form “ is excellent news for the national team.”
A return that has been in the making for years
Once seen as Lionel Messi's natural successor at the Camp Nou, Fati's rise was halted by a series of serious injuries. Although he became the youngest goalscorer in FC Barcelona's history at just 17 years and 40 days old, he struggled to find his rhythm after multiple setbacks. His loan to Brighton during the 2023-24 season did not turn things around, but his transfer to the Rock gave him a new lease of life.
The Spaniard also made Ligue 1 history by becoming the fastest player to reach five goals in the competition, achieving the feat in just 126 minutes of play, a record that had stood since 1948.
