‘He still has a lot to grow’… Deco opens up on his plans for 23-year-old Barcelona forward | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are intent on reinforcing their team with some very competent signings ahead of the start of the 2025-26 season, and this intent is clear from the way they have already secured their most-desired target from the market.

The Blaugranes signed the goalkeeper Joan Garcia after paying his €25 million release clause. Now, they have their eyes set on the Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, with whom they have already agreed on personal terms, to strengthen their attack.

Ansu Fati likely to leave Barcelona

However, to incorporate these new players into their team and to get these players registered with La Liga for the upcoming season, the Catalans will have to ensure the departures of some of their current players.

In this regard, one of the players who has come quite close to a move away from the club in recent weeks is the winger Ansu Fati. A few days ago, he was reported to be getting near to a move to the Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, even though this operation is facing some difficulties at the moment.

Deco reveals his plans for Fati

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

However, despite these difficulties, the Spanish forward seems set for an exit from Barcelona in the coming months. This was quite clear from some of the comments made by Deco as he appeared in an interview with La Vanguardia (h/t Fabrizio Romano).

Addressing Fati’s situation, the Portuguese official said:

“With his age and career, Ansu Fati can’t stay without playing… If he leaves, it will be on a loan. He is 23 but people talk about him like he’s 30. He still has a lot to grow and learn”.

Previously, it was not clear whether the winger would leave on loan or would leave permanently with a buyback clause. Deco has made it clear that he will leave only on loan, thus confirming the confidence that Barcelona still have in Ansu Fati and his ability to grow and get his career back on track.