Hansi Flick in his first season as Barcelona manger completed the 2024/25 season with a treble at home, but not everyone was as happy.
A Barcelona player who has fallen out of favour could be on his way to a Premier League club after he refused to celebrate his team’s La Liga triumph.
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Joyless Trophy Party
On Sunday 18 May, Barcelona paraded with the La Liga trophy in front of a cheering crowd at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc. The 3-2 defeat against Villarreal was already forgotten as Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Pedri and teammates lifted the trophy after an entertaining and successful season.
Barca still have one league game left – away to Athletic Club on May 25 – but the hard work has already been done.
Ansu Fati – from Messi’s heir to outsider
The average age in Hansi Flick’s squad is barely 24, with Yamal (17), Pedri (22) and Gavi (20) pulling the average down significantly.
But before this trio reached the heights of the day, it was another Barca youth who was named Lionel Messi’s successor.
Ansu Fati became Barca’s second-youngest player ever (16 years and 198 days) when he made his debut in a 5-2 win over Real Betis in August 2019.
“Playing with Messi is a childhood dream that is now coming true,” Fati said in 2020.
Five years later, Fati’s development has stagnated. According to Madrid-Barcelona.com, he refused to participate in the celebration or interact with fans during the trophy ceremony.
The 22-year-old has only played 11 games this season and seems to be way down the hierarchy among wingers.
Premier League clubs lurking
Reports suggest that Premier League clubs could be interested in Fati, who was on loan at Brighton in 2023/24.
According to Tribal Football, the Spanish international – with a contract until June 2027 – is also wanted by Andalusian rivals Sevilla and Real Betis.
It is unclear which English clubs are interested, but The Guardian reported in January that both West Ham and Tottenham were considering a loan spell.
Now it remains to be seen if Fati’s next stop will be England – or if he will get another chance to revive his career in Catalonia.
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