After the Real Betis game, Hansi Flick sends the Barcelona star to the street in the upcoming summer mercato and will be the first to leave the Catalan team!

In what turned out to be one of Barcelona’s most frustrating performances of the season, the Catalan giants were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The draw came on a weekend when title rivals Real Madrid shockingly lost to Valencia—making it a missed opportunity for Barça to close the gap at the top of the table.

Despite the disappointment of the result, the post-match focus swiftly turned to internal matters, particularly regarding player futures under new head coach Hansi Flick. According to reputable Spanish outlet El Nacional, the German manager has made his first major decision on squad trimming—and it revolves around Ansu Fati.

Once touted as the heir to Lionel Messi and the pride of La Masia, Ansu Fati’s fairy tale at Barcelona appears to be nearing its end. Flick has reportedly made it clear behind closed doors that he does not see the 21-year-old winger as part of his long-term project at the club.

Club director Deco has received the message loud and clear. Barcelona’s management has now begun to explore options for offloading the forward, either to another club in Spain or abroad. Unlike previous windows, where loan deals were considered, the Blaugrana now aim for a permanent transfer.

Ansu Fati’s rise was meteoric. Debuting as a teenager, dazzling with speed, flair, and maturity, he quickly became a fan favorite. He was even handed the iconic number 10 shirt after Messi’s departure—an enormous responsibility for any player, let alone a youngster still recovering from injuries.

But since suffering multiple serious injuries, including a long-term knee issue, Fati has struggled to replicate his early magic. Every comeback has been met with hope, and every appearance was seen as a chance at redemption. Unfortunately, the consistent form has not returned.

Flick’s tactical philosophy relies heavily on high-pressing intensity, rapid transitions, and explosive wide players. In a system that rewards athleticism and relentless work rate, Ansu’s current fitness and confidence levels simply don’t align with the manager’s needs.

The presence of Lamine Yamal—a generational talent already breaking records at 17—and Brazilian winger Raphinha has intensified the competition on the flanks. Furthermore, Barcelona have been heavily linked with Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, another pacy winger who perfectly fits Flick’s prototype.

With all this in play, it’s not difficult to see why Ansu Fati finds himself surplus to requirements. His wages, although modest compared to Barcelona’s highest earners, still weigh on a club trying to balance the books under strict Financial Fair Play regulations.

Sources close to the club suggest that a few Premier League sides, including Brighton—where Fati spent a loan spell—might express interest again. However, this time around, Barcelona want to avoid another temporary arrangement and are prioritizing a clean sale.

Fati’s exit, if completed, will mark the end of an era that began with promise and expectations but never fully blossomed due to misfortune and physical setbacks. It will also serve as Hansi Flick’s first major squad decision, indicating a ruthless determination to reshape the team in his image.

There’s still admiration for Fati within the Barcelona fanbase. His loyalty to the club, even when suitors came calling, and his early performances left a lasting impression. However, football is ultimately a results-driven sport, and sentiment can rarely override strategic needs.

Deco and Flick are said to be aligned on the decision, signaling a unified vision within the sporting project. With the summer mercato fast approaching, Barcelona’s priority list is becoming clearer: reduce the wage bill, make room for explosive talent, and regain competitive dominance.

The emotional weight of Ansu Fati’s likely departure is heavy. Few academy players have captured hearts the way he did. But even legends like Ronaldinho and Iniesta had to move on. Fati’s case is just another chapter in Barcelona’s ever-evolving history.

Should the transfer go through as expected, Ansu will have a chance to rebuild his career in a less pressurized environment. A change of scenery, away from the ghost of Messi’s legacy and the intense scrutiny of the Camp Nou, might be exactly what he needs.

In the end, Hansi Flick’s decision is as much about footballing identity as it is about performance. Barcelona wants to evolve, and tough decisions—like saying goodbye to Ansu—are a part of that transformation.

As things stand, barring any last-minute twists or injuries to other players, Ansu Fati is set to be the first player shown the door in Flick’s Barcelona revolution. What began as a dream may now end quietly—but the next phase of Fati’s career still holds promise if he finds the right destination.