Barcelona considering January exit for player Lionel Messi once called ‘fantastic’ - Reports

According to Tribal Football, Barcelona are considering sending Ansu Fati out on loan in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old returned to the club this summer after a season-long loan deal in the Premier League but is yet to become a regular in Hansi Flick's setup.

Fati was once touted as Lionel Messi's successor at the Catalan club after a promising start to his career. The Spanish winger wowed with his performance, broke a number of club records and was seen as the next big talent in Spain. He was even handed Messi's iconic jersey number 10 following the Argentine's exit from the club in 2021.

The Inter Miami star once referred to Fati as a 'fantastic player' saying in an interview back in 2019 via Barcelona's official website:

"I like him and I'll try to help him. He is a fantastic player and has what it takes to succeed. But if I look through my eyes, I would like him to have a gradual participation, as happened to me when I started. It must be remembered that he is only 16 years old."

However, Ansu Fati's performance was limited by recurrent injuries, causing him to miss many games after becoming a first-team player. He dropped down the pecking order at the club and struggled to get playing time. As a result, he went on loan to England with Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2023-24 season.

Fati failed to impress in England, contributing four goals and an assist in 27 games for the Seagulls, and returned to his parent club at the end of the season. It was expected that he would fight for a spot in Flick's setup, but that has not been the case as he has managed just 51 minutes of action across competitions so far.

There were speculations that Barcelona could sell Fati permanently in the January transfer window, but recent reports suggest a loan deal is being considered instead. However, this would only happen if the club can rope in a replacement for the Spanish youngster who is the only natural left winger on their roster currently.

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Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to sign Emiliano Martinez - Reports

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly wants his former club to rope in compatriot Emiliano Martinez as Andre ter Stegen's replacement as per El Nacional.

Barcelona are currently undergoing a goalkeeper crisis following a long-term injury to the German shot-stopper. Ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury in the side's league clash with Villareal on September 22 and is expected to be out for the season.

The club has been forced to sign former Juventus and Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny as backup on a one-year deal, but are now looking for a permanent long-term goalkeeper.

As per the aforementioned report, Messi wants Barcelona to sign Martinez and the club could consider a move for the Aston Villa star. Martinez is currently one of the highest-rated goalkeepers in Europe and would be a valuable addition to the La Liga side.