Man Utd prepare ‘astronomical’ bid to sign unseen World Cup talent, as attacking deal

Manchester United have revived their interest in Barcelona forward Ansu Fati, whom they have been hoping to monitor at the World Cup, according to a Spanish report.

Fati has alas been an unused substitute in both of Spain’s group matches so far. However, a report from OK Diario has indicated that Man Utd are showing an interest in the man who succeeded Lionel Messi as Barcelona’s number 10.

According to the Spanish source, Man Utd would be willing to put an “astronomical” offer on the table for the forward, who could help fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fati has played 14 times in La Liga this season, but only three of those appearances have been starts. Still, he has managed to contribute three goals and three assists.

Barcelona have added extra competition in their frontline this season with the likes of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. Furthermore, the contract renewal given to Ousmane Dembele over the summer may have come as a surprise.

Hence, Fati has to fight for his place at Camp Nou, which has led OK Diario to question his future. Reminding that Man Utd once failed with a nine-figure offer for his services back in 2020, the outlet suggests they could be ready to try their luck again.

Fati has encountered some injury problems in the time since Man Utd’s previous attempt to sign him. Still, Barcelona do not think his value has dropped too much. Therefore, they are standing firm for a player who has a €1billion (£864.8million) release clause.

Clearly, that would be an extortionate amount that should have Man Utd thinking twice. No player in the history of football has ever transferred for €1billion.

Liverpool also in hunt for Ansu Fati

It remains to be seen if Man Utd could tempt Barcelona into selling Fati for any other value. Last year, the La Liga side tied the winger down to a contract until 2027, with the option of a further two years.

Now, though, they may have to fend off interest in the right footer. The report from OK Diario also indicates that Liverpool would be willing to make a move for Fati as part of their succession plan to Sadio Mane, despite already bringing in Darwin Nunez in the wake of the Senegal international’s switch to Bayern Munich.

For his part, Fati does not want to leave Barcelona just yet. That said, he expected more gametime this season, so will be a player to keep an eye on.

As someone who generally plays on the left wing, Fati would be competing with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga at Old Trafford.

In contrast, at Liverpool, he would be an alternative to Luis Diaz.

Perhaps Man Utd in particular should be looking more at a centre-forward than another winger. Nevertheless, it is an area Erik ten Hag has been wondering about.

Still only 20 years old, Fati has a bright future ahead of him. For now, it seems more likely that he will be spending it in La Liga than the Premier League.

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