Ansu Fati’s loan to AS Monaco was meant to be a reset, a chance to finally reclaim the promise that once made him Barcelona’s brightest young hope. For a moment, it looked like the move might deliver exactly that. Instead, the project has veered into a familiar territory of doubts, shifting roles and tough decisions ahead.
The 23-year-old eased into life in Ligue 1 more slowly than expected, with Monaco prioritizing a careful physical plan to avoid any recurrence of his long line of injuries. Once fully integrated, though, he exploded. Under Adi Hütter, Fati produced six goals in five matches, averaging a strike roughly every 41 minutes. He added assists, confidence and even earned a Player of the Match nod after a composed brace from the spot against Nice. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente even noted the resurgence, confirming that the forward was “on their radar” for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
That upward trend collapsed suddenly. While Fati was in scoring form, Monaco’s board dismissed Hütter and installed Sébastien Pocognoli. The change in structure and approach immediately seemd to work against the Spaniard. Since the switch, he has failed to score in six appearances and has seen his minutes drop sharply, accumulating just 55 minutes across Monaco’s last three league outings.
Barcelona, monitoring the loan closely, are now increasingly concerned. Earlier in the season, Fati’s form made it seem inevitable that Monaco would activate their purchase option, valued at 11 million euros. Now that decision, once considered straightforward, sits in limbo. Reduced playing time has stalled momentum for both club and player, turning what looked like a potential permanent transfer into a question mark.
With winter approaching, both Barcelona and Fati face a crossroads. If his minutes increase and his early-season rhythm returns, staying in Monaco could remain the preferred path. But if the current pattern continues, a January solution may be needed. The priority is clear: Fati must play consistently to regain full confidence and maintain his value, whether to Monaco or another suitor this summer.
