Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro has decided to defer the activation of the €11 million option to make Ansu Fati’s loan move from Barcelona permanent. The Spanish forward has been in fine form since joining the Ligue 1 side on loan, but Scuro emphasised that he must first be provided with the right conditions to develop into an important and consistent player before any transfer decision is made.
Fati's record start to the season
Fati’s brace against Nice extended his impressive record to six goals in five games, following another double against Metz after coming on as a substitute. The Spaniard also became the fastest player to reach five goals in the French league, a record that had stood since 1948. Monaco have an €11 million (£10m/$12m) option to make Fati’s loan move from Barcelona permanent, but sporting director Scuro has downplayed the early success, insisting that the club will wait before making a decision on his long-term future.
AdvertisementAFPScuro's words on Fati
Fati's resurgence comes after a difficult few years for the former Barcelona wonderkid. After his sensational rise to stardom at Camp Nou, his career faltered amid a dip in form, a disappointing loan to Brighton and a few injury troubles.
While he is off to a fine start in Monaco, his long-term future remains unclear as Scuro, speaking at the unveiling of new coach Sebastien Pocognoli, said more time must be given to Fati so he can achieve consistency and become an important player for the team.
"The key is to continue giving Ansu the conditions so he can get playing time and be an important and consistent player for Monaco," he said. "Business isn't important right now. When the time is right, we'll make a decision. Monaco is protected in this situation by the agreement we have with the player and Barca. The goal is performance and keeping him on the pitch."
Will he return to the Spain squad?
Fati’s impressive performances have caught the attention of Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente, reigniting hopes of a potential call up to the national side after his recent run of form.
"He's scored five or six goals, and we've assessed him," the coach said. "Ansu is on the list, and that's interesting."
Getty Images SportWhat comes next?
Fati will aim to stay injury free and continue his strong form as Monaco prepare to face Angers in Pocognoli’s debut match as head coach. The French side hoped the game would mark Paul Pogba's debut and first game following his doping ban, but another injury setback means he may have to wait a bit longer.
