Barcelona are preparing to send Ansu Fati out on loan once again, after failing to secure a permanent transfer for the winger this summer.

The 22-year-old, once seen as the heir to Lionel Messi’s throne, has struggled for both form and minutes at Camp Nou, prompting the club to explore temporary exit options.

Fati’s high wages remain a significant stumbling block in negotiations with potential buyers. The Spanish international made just three starts in La Liga during the 2024/25 campaign, underlining his fall down the pecking order.

Despite being available for transfer, few clubs are in a financial position to meet both his salary demands and Barcelona’s expectations.

Barcelona had previously loaned Fati to Brighton during the 2023/24 season, but his time in the Premier League did little to reignite his career. 

Now, the Catalan giants appear resigned to arranging another loan deal rather than pushing for a sale, AS Monaco have emerged as a possible destination, although details regarding a purchase option or obligation remain unclear.

Fati is currently under contract with Barcelona until 2027, complicating the club’s ability to offload him permanently. 

Given the current market climate and his recent form, Barca officials acknowledge that a long-term exit will likely have to wait. Instead, the focus has shifted to finding a suitable temporary move that benefits both parties.

One notable consequence of Fati’s potential departure would be the availability of the No.10 shirt at Barcelona. The club is reportedly planning to hand the iconic number to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal in a symbolic passing of the torch as he continues to impress on his rise through the ranks.

With the summer transfer window now open, Fati will be eager to finalize his next move and begin a new chapter away from Camp Nou.

A loan to Monaco could offer the winger a chance to rebuild his confidence and reignite his career, as Barcelona continue their broader squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season.