Hansi Flick makes it clear that the Barcelona forward is not in his plans

Ansu Fati’s situation at FC Barcelona has taken another downturn under head coach Hansi Flick. Once seen as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, the 22-year-old forward finds himself on the periphery of the squad with no clear path back into the German manager’s plans.

Despite opportunities to leave the club in January, Fati boldly decided to stay and fight for his place. However, Flick’s recent squad selection has provided a harsh reality check for the La Masia graduate.

Omitted once again

When Barcelona announced their squad list for their upcoming clash against Valencia, Fati’s name was nowhere to be found. It marks yet another exclusion for the Spaniard, reinforcing the notion that Flick does not see him as a vital part of his project.

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the continued omissions are a clear sign of Flick’s stance on Fati. His decision to stay at the club may not have been the wisest move, given that opportunities to impress are becoming increasingly scarce.

A recurring pattern of absence

This is not the first time Fati has been left out in the cold. In January alone, he was left out of four consecutive matchday squads across different competitions. He missed two Spanish Super Cup matches, one Copa del Rey fixture, and one La Liga clash.

His absence was briefly interrupted by an unexpected call-up following Dani Olmo’s injury against Getafe. However, even after making his way back into the squad, he remained rooted to the bench, watching as Flick opted for other attacking options.

Missed opportunities in January

The winter transfer window provided Fati with an escape route. Several clubs were interested in acquiring his services, but he turned down multiple offers, choosing instead to fight for his place in Flick’s side. This gamble, however, appears to have backfired, as his game time has only diminished further.

Sources within the club suggest that Flick had given his approval for Fati to leave in January, but the forward’s desire to prove himself at Barcelona ultimately led to his decision to stay. With the season now in full swing, that choice is looking increasingly questionable.

The fading star of La Masia

Fati’s struggles at Barcelona are difficult to comprehend, given his meteoric rise as a teenager. Once hailed as the club’s next great superstar, injuries and inconsistent form have hindered his progress. Now, under a manager with no apparent faith in him, his career at the club seems to be stagnating.

Flick has not publicly commented on the player’s situation, but his actions speak louder than words. The German tactician has preferred other attacking options, even experimenting with new tactical setups that do not accommodate Fati’s natural strengths.

What’s next for Ansu Fati?

With the January transfer window now closed, Fati must endure the remainder of the season with limited chances to prove himself. The summer transfer window could be a different story, though, as Barcelona may once again push for an exit, especially if Flick remains in charge.

Several European clubs are still monitoring Fati’s situation, and with his market value still relatively high, Barcelona might be tempted to cash in on him at the end of the campaign.

A bleak future at Barcelona?

For now, Fati remains on the fringes, hoping for a change in fortunes. However, unless Flick experiences a drastic shift in opinion, the 22-year-old’s future at the club looks increasingly bleak.

His case serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of football. Just a few years ago, he was seen as Barcelona’s golden boy, a player who could lead them into a new era. Now, he faces the very real possibility of being phased out entirely.

Can he turn things around?

While his situation appears dire, football is unpredictable, and injuries or tactical adjustments could open doors for Fati once again. If he can make the most of whatever limited opportunities come his way, he might still force Flick into a rethink.

However, if things continue in this trajectory, it seems inevitable that Fati will have to seek a new club where he can revive his career. Whether that happens in the summer or further down the line remains to be seen, but for now, the message from Flick is clear: Ansu Fati is not in his plans.