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Ansu Fati's time at Barcelona could be coming to a permanent close this summer, with reports suggesting AS Monaco are "seriously considering" activating his purchase option to retain him on the French Riviera.
The former La Masia product joined Monaco on a loan deal ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, with the arrangement between the two clubs including a purchase option valued at €11 million ($12.9 million).
With fewer than two months remaining in the season, L'Equipe reports that Monaco are pleased with what Fati has delivered in his first season at the club and are keen on signing the 23-year-old on a permanent basis this summer. Fati has appeared 25 times for Monaco this term, surpassing the 1,000-minute threshold in 2025–26, and has netted nine goals, making him the club's second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 this season.
However, a permanent move to Monaco is far from certain; a significant obstacle remains and must be resolved before any deal can be struck.
Monaco Can't Afford Ansu Fati Salary
Securing a 23-year-old winger with enormous potential for $12.9 million represents exceptional value in the current market. However, the primary challenge Monaco must overcome is reaching a new contract agreement with Fati himself.
Monaco are currently covering only half of Fati's wages during his loan spell, with Barcelona still responsible for the remaining half. According to the report, Monaco are contributing €250,000 ($293,162) per month toward his salary. Were they to cover his full wages, Fati would comfortably surpass the club's top earners in Ligue 1, Eric Dier and Denis Zakaria, who each earn €330,000 ($386,974) per month.
It is simply not realistic to expect Monaco to be comfortable making Fati—who has managed just four starts in 2026—their highest-paid player by a significant margin. A compromise would need to be reached between the player and the club to substantially reduce his wages if he wishes to settle in the Principality on a long-term basis.
Barcelona extended Fati's contract by an additional year prior to his departure last summer, keeping him tied to his boyhood club until 2028. This provides the Catalans with some flexibility—even if they don't sell Fati this summer, they are not at risk of losing him on a free transfer in 2027.
Monaco Remains Best Option for Fati
It hasn't been a seamless experience for Fati at Monaco, as injuries and inconsistency continue to follow the former Barcelona No. 10. Yet when fit, he has been a reliable contributor, recording a goal every 114 minutes on average this season.
At this point in his career, the one-time prodigy needs to establish stability both on and off the pitch. A return to Barcelona could once again prove harmful, as he would either be shipped out to a third club in as many years or kept in Catalonia where he would struggle for minutes—he managed fewer than 300 minutes with the Blaugrana in 2024–25.
Agreeing on personal terms to remain in Monaco permanently could be precisely what Fati needs. At just 23, he still has time to revive his once-glittering career, but consistent playing time is essential if he is to fulfil his potential.
A permanent move to Monaco could serve the interests of all parties. Fati could continue his career resurgence, Monaco would land a cost-effective signing, and Barcelona would recoup funds on a player Hansi Flick no longer factored into his plans—adding to their transfer budget for a window in which the club has ambitious goals to strengthen the squad ahead of 2027–28.