BARCELONA are near to tying Ansu Fati down to a new deal following crunch talks with the starlet’s representatives.
Nou Camp boss Ronald Koeman sees this as ‘big news’ for the LaLiga side with Fati regarded as the club’s next superstar.
Mundo Deportivo claims the Catalan giants and the 18-year-old’s agents have arrived at ‘an agreement in principle’ over a new contract that runs until 2026.
And club coach Koeman confirmed the news at a press conference where he said: “I know they’re close to agreeing a new contract.
“It’s big news for Barca because we’re talking about someone that can mark the club’s future.”
The current deal for Fati, who was given the club’s number 10 shirt following Lionel Messi’s sensational departure, runs until June 2022.
And Barcelona, who face Dynamo Kyiv in a must-win Champions League group game this week have been battling to get the starlet to agree to new terms.
They have faced obstacles over concerns surrounding an enormous clause officials reportedly wish to include in his contract.
It is thought Barca’s wish to insert a whopping £840million release clause in his new deal was a stumbling block, according to Spanish outlet El Nacional.
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However, Mundo Deportivo claims an agreement is close to being struck.
Barcelona’s football director Mateu Alemany is believed to be in Portugal to thrash out details with super-agent Jorge Mendes who represents the Spain starlet.
It has been suggested paperwork could be finalised and announced before Barca’s mammoth El Clasico duel with Real Madrid on Sunday.
Fatu, who has netted two goals in four Barca appearances this term, is regarded as one of the most promising talents in Spain’s top-flight.
He’s playing well and he has a very special talent. He is young and they have to let him grow.”
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The winger, who won a Spanish Cup with his club last season, netted five goals in 10 LaLiga and Champions League games last term.
It is thought a new contract for the youngster – who recently returned from an injury lay-off of almost a year – will come as a massive boost to the side who recently agreed to a deal with Pedri.
And the player who netted on his return to action in Barca’s 3-0 win against Levante on September 26 has been described as a ‘special talent’ by Sergio Aguero.
The former Man City goal machine who joined Barca this summer told reporters: “The 10 fits Ansu nicely.
“He’s playing well and he has a very special talent. He is young and they have to let him grow.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
