Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists he wants Ansu Fati to stay the La Liga champions as Wolves run into brick walls in their pursuit of the Spain international winger.
In a wide-ranging interview with La Vanguardia, Laporta became the latest key figure to all-but rule out a move to Molineux for a man who has suffered through something of a personal injury hell since inheriting Lionel Messi’s number ten shirt at the Camp Nou.
Both Ansu Fati’s father and the player himself confirmed earlier in the summer that the La Masia graduate plans to stay and fight for his place under Xavi Hernandez.
Wolves’ best hope – Fati’s representative Jorge Mendes – then hammered another nail in the proverbial coffin.
“Ansu wants to stay. He wants to stay,” explained Mendes, the Portuguese super-agent who has played such a key role in Wolves’ rise from the bottom-half of the Championship since 2016.
“I am convinced that he is one of the best youngsters in the world. (I believe) he will win a Ballon d’Or.”
Wolves set for disappointment over Ansu Fati
Now, it was Laporta’s turn.
“There are offers for (Andreas) Christensen, for Pedri, for Gavi, for (Ronald) Araujo, for (Marc Andre) ter Stegen, for Ansu, for Raphinha, for (Alejandro) Balde. But we are not a selling club,” says a bullish Laporta.
“(I encourage Fati) to stay. He has to earn Xavi’s trust. And, when he plays, make a difference, because he has the talent. He can do it.”
Wolves may have hoped those Mendes connections would pave the way for Fati to join Julen Lopetegui’s side ahead of the 2023/24 season, perhaps on a short-term loan deal.
According to Sport, however, one of the most naturally talented young forwards in European football made it clear that he did not fancy joining a Wolves team who finished 13th in the Premier League last term, even if Lopetegui’s impact since replacing Bruno Lage hints at brighter days to come.