In a bold move that could reshape their attacking line-up, Everton are accelerating efforts to sign Barcelona winger Ansu Fati on loan following a wave of internal criticism aimed at the talented but unsettled Spaniard.
The 22-year-old, once hailed as the heir to Lionel Messi at Camp Nou, now finds himself at a career crossroads. Sources close to both clubs confirm that Everton have entered advanced negotiations with Barcelona over a season-long loan, with an option to buy. The Toffees are hoping to capitalize on Fati’s growing disillusionment with life in Catalonia.
According to reports from Spanish media, Fati was the subject of sharp internal criticism by members of Barcelona’s coaching staff, who questioned his mentality, match sharpness, and ability to meet the club’s evolving tactical demands. The young winger, who spent last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, has struggled to recapture the dazzling form he showed as a teenager.
In a recent press conference, a senior Barcelona figure—speaking on condition of anonymity—reportedly said: “Ansu has all the talent in the world, but talent alone is not enough. At this level, you need hunger. He must decide if he wants to be a star or just another story.”
The comments have reportedly stung Fati, who has grown increasingly frustrated with his role at Barcelona and sees a move to the Premier League as a potential fresh start. Everton, looking to bolster their wide attacking options after an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign, see Fati as a high-upside gamble.
Manager Sean Dyche is believed to be fully behind the move. While known for his pragmatic and physical style of play, Dyche has reportedly assured Fati that he will be given creative freedom in a system being tweaked to favor explosive wingers and dynamic counterattacks.
Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, has flown to Spain this week to finalize terms, with Barcelona open to a deal that includes a significant portion of Fati’s wages being covered by the English club. The proposed option-to-buy clause is rumored to be in the region of €25–30 million—a potentially shrewd deal if Fati rediscovers his top form.
Ansu Fati himself has remained silent amid the speculation, though sources close to the player suggest he is intrigued by the opportunity and views Everton as a club where he could be “valued and rebuilt.” A close associate reportedly said: “He knows he needs to reset. Everton offers him a platform, not pressure. That’s what he needs right now.”
Everton fans have taken to social media with cautious excitement, with many recalling how the club helped revive the careers of players like James Rodríguez and Dele Alli. Fati’s potential arrival could inject flair and unpredictability into an attack that struggled for creativity last season.
Should the deal go through, Fati would join the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, and Abdoulaye Doucouré in a revamped Everton attack designed to push the club back into the top half of the Premier League.
With Barcelona’s patience wearing thin and Everton’s intent growing stronger by the hour, a breakthrough appears imminent.
The message is clear: Everton are not just interested — they’re pushing hard to bring Ansu Fati to Goodison Park.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
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