'Not Another Joao Felix': Ansu Fati Chooses Monaco Over Chelsea

Last Updated:June 04, 2025, 12:53 IST

The young Barcelona forward denied a prominent offer from the English Premier League club and chose AS Monaco as his next side.

Ansu Fati on the move again? (AP)

FC Barcelona player Ansu Fati decided to snub a major offer from Premier League giants Chelsea even as the 22-year-old forward is set to end his contract with the La Liga side. The Blues had submitted an offer to get Ansu upon hearing of Barcelona’s plans to offload the youngster this summer, but he denied it, raising eyebrows among English clubs’ fans.

Despite a substantial offer from Chelsea, Fati opted to sign for AS Monaco. Mundo Deportivo has now provided key insight into the footballer’s decision to choose the Ligue 1 club ahead of the English side. It is understood that discussions with Adi Hutter pulled Ansu towards Monaco after the head coach expressed complete confidence in him and promised him regular game time.

“The Austrian manager assured him that he would get consistent playing time, even saying he would start him in ten straight games regardless of goals. This, along with a conversation with the club CEO Thiago Scuro, ultimately convinced Ansu to accept the move," reported Barca Universal.

Ansu was also convinced to join Monaco after the club promised him regular appearances at the UEFA Champions League next season. Chelsea’s bid to secure the Spanish footballer was an attractive one but Ansu picked the assurance of consistent opportunities.

The young gun was particularly wary of becoming the next João Felix, who warmed the benches after a move from Atletico Madrid, as Chelsea stuck with their overcrowded attacking line-up at Stamford Bridge. “Look what happened to João Felix," was a major sentiment expressed by Ansu’s camp behind declining the Chelsea offer.

Ansu’s departure from Barcelona had been in the offing for quite some time after the club seemed to have lost patience with him. The La Liga star’s significant salary and contract running till 2027 became a point of discussion and criticism as his dip in form forced Barcelona to revisit their budget constraints.

Barcelona is currently working with Monaco on the finer details of the deal that will see Ansu leave on a loan with a purchase option, the amount for which will have to be agreed between the two clubs before the operation is closed.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov...

Read More

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Barcelona, Spain

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News sports » football 'Not Another Joao Felix': Ansu Fati Chooses Monaco Over Chelsea