Barcelona are not going through the best of times, to say the least. Besides their UEFA Champions League drought, the Catalans have been struggling to claim La Liga glory over the last few seasons and the outlook turned much darker this summer. And the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid, to be broadcast in the US by ESPN+, doesn't come in great timing.
Haunted by a financial crisis, the club bid farewell to one of their own as Lionel Messi left after more than two decades since he joined La Masia. With no money to land big-name players, Ronald Koeman had no option but to rely on the youngsters this season, something he had already done last term.
Amid poor results and an identity crisis, Barcelona couldn't offer much to their fans except for the bright future of their young prospects. And Ansu Fati seems to be the face of the club's rebuild as he was given the historic No. 10 jersey that Messi left, but the Cules are failing to tie him down to a new contract.
Barcelona's contract renewal talks with Ansu Fati stalls
Barcelona know they might struggle again this season but at least they want to see how the likes of Pedri, Gavi, and Ansu continue developing as first-team regulars. And that's why they've been working on extending their contracts.
Pedri was the first one they successfuly renewed in a historic deal with a €1 billion release clause, practically unaffordable for any other club on Earth. While they reportedly plan to extend Gavi's deal by including a €500m release clause, they are also concerned about Ansu Fati's future.
The 18-year-old's contract runs out next summer and Barcelona want to secure him with a long-term deal. But, according to El Catalan, contract renewal talks have stalled as his agent Jorge Mendes is failing to agree to the club's terms.
Barcelona reportedly proposed a long-term contract with a €1bn release clause to prevent any interest from other teams and make sure Fati will stay at Barcelona. But Mendes, instead, wants a two-year deal for his player plus a more affordable release clause.
The two-year length of the deal would be due to the Cules' financial situation, Mendes prefers to sign a shorter deal and then extend it if things are better. And the lower release clause would be to give Fati the possibility of leaving the club just in case he desires to do so at some point. Because, although Ansu would be glad to stay in Barca and build a legacy there, he would also like to have more freedom to leave if the club isn't in a good position or if he feels uncomfortable.
But Barcelona want to make sure they won't suffer another episode like when PSG landed Neymar paying his €222m release clause. So, Ansu Fati's renewal doesn't look easy for now, although it's likely they will ultimately reach an agreement. In the meantime, Barca have to focus their attention on the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid, which you can watch in the US via ESPN+.
