Ansu Fati pens new Barcelona contract

The poor taste left in the mouth of Barcelona supporters after the narrow win over Dynamo Kyiv was erased rather quickly following the game.

Seemingly out of nowhere, despite reports a deal was close, Ansu Fati officially signed a new contract that will see him stay at Barcelona until 2027.

The club made it official on their end, holding a press conference with Fati and president Joan Laporta. Like Pedri, Fati’s release clause was set at €1 billion.

Despite a number of suitors, Fati only wanted Barcelona

According to ESPN, his agent, Jorge Mendes, had fielded a number of calls from other European giants and that come January, Fati would have been able to negotiate with other clubs. From the beginning, Fati told Mendes that staying was his priority.

"“From the first day I told [my agent] Jorge [Mendes] that my first option was to stay,” said Fati.“It may be that I had offers, but it was always clear to me that I wanted to stay and succeed here.“I am very calm. Everyone transmits that tranquillity to me. I feel very loved and it is what I value the most.”Source: Marca"

Barcelona wanted to reach an agreement on a new deal before the match against Real Madrid and have done so. It was important to tie down Fati, the new No. 10, following the departure of Lionel Messi.

Fati knows the pressure that comes with wearing that number but relishes the opportunity.

"“It’s true that the No. 10 jersey has been worn by Leo [Messi] and many players but I’m calm,” Fati, 18, said in Thursday’s news conference. “I know what I can bring to this team.“For me it’s not a pressure. No one is going to be like Leo, no one is going to be like [former captains Carles] Puyol or Xavi [Hernandez]. No one is going to equal what Leo has done. I’m going to follow my own journey. I still haven’t done anything. I hope I can have a career like they have had.“Any player could have worn the No. 10. I’m grateful that the captains offered me the number and luckily, I got it. It’s an extra motivation for me. I don’t look at the number but focus on what I can do on the pitch to help the team,” he added.Source: ESPN"

Because of Barcelona’s financial situation, the contract was structured to include a staggered salary, increasing each season. A small price to pay for the club all things considered.

At the end of the new deal, Fati will only be 24 years old. If he manages to live up to the lofty expectations, he can mark a new era at the club.

With Fati and Pedri on new long-term deals, the future for Barcelona looks bright. Considering the doom-and-gloom surrounding nearly everything at Barça, Fati’s renewals is a long needed bit of good news.