Newcastle United have been in touch with Barcelona teenager Ansu Fati over a move to St James’ Park this summer as the youngster grows frustrated at the Catalan giants, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper claim that the teenager is refusing to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp over not only the finances of the contract offered but the development route currently in place, with another season of under-19 football on the cards.
It is stated that the youngster, who turns 17 in October, wants a promotion to reserve football after his impressive season at youth level and that his contract situation leaves him available for a marginal compensation fee this summer.
Newcastle are said to have been joined by Premier League rivals Manchester United in making contact with the youngster over a move to the Premier League from the Champions League heavyweights.
Opinion
Newcastle’s record of developing youth talent has been nothing short of woeful and if they think they have any chance of securing Fati’s capture this summer, they need to think again. Why would a player leave Barcelona for Tyneside when there have been very few young talents to make the grade in the famous black and white stripes? Heading somewhere like Old Trafford, where youth talents have made their mark on the first team, would make more sense in terms of his development. The Magpies might think that with less competition en route to the senior side they can offer him more of a chance of game time but history suggests that is very unlikely. Whether it is the facilities or the quality of the coaching staff, something needs to change in Newcastle’s academy to have any chance of bringing the likes of Ansu Fati to St James’ Park – right now it just seems unrealistic.