Brighton reach 'verbal agreement' ahead of blockbuster signing of Barcelona wonderkid with €1 billion release clause after Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool links

Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati is set to make a shock loan move to Brighton and Hove Albion, Fabrizio Romano has sensationally reported.
By Sam Morton
Published 30th Aug 2023, 22:23 BST
Updated 31st Aug 2023, 11:08 BST
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The forward, 20, is among the most promising youngsters in world football and has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham among others.

Fati, a La Liga and Nations League winner, is contracted to Barcelona until 2027 and has a release clause rising to €1 billion (£846m). However, he has fallen down the pecking order at the Catalan club.

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Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano announced on social media this evening (Wednesday, August 30) that the 20-year-old is set to move Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton this summer.

“Brighton are closing in on Ansu Fati deal as Barça are prepared to accept the formal proposal received on loan,” the transfer expert wrote.

"Ansu Fati has accepted Brighton as destination — De Zerbi, key factor.

“Final green light soon and then here we go.”

Within an hour, Romano issued a further update.

Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati is set to make a shock loan move to Brighton, Fabrizio Romano has sensationally reported. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati is set to make a shock loan move to Brighton, Fabrizio Romano has sensationally reported. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati is set to make a shock loan move to Brighton, Fabrizio Romano has sensationally reported. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

"Ansu Fati to Brighton, here we go!” he wrote. “Deal in place between Brighton and Barça as revealed earlier, verbal agreement now done.

“No buy option clause. Loan deal until June 2024.

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“Main part of salary covered. Travel booked on Thursday, Brighton want it signed ASAP.”

The signing of Fati – who was born in Guinea-Bissau but plays internationally for Spain – would be a huge statement of intent by the Seagulls, who will be playing in the Europa League this season.

The forward, a left winger by trade, would offer further competition for places in a team stacked with attacking talent. He would provide much-needed cover for Julio Enciso, who is out of action with a knee injury.

Albion secured the signing of teenage midfielder Carlos Baleba from Lille on Tuesday (August 29) – taking the club’s spending for the summer above £80m, a record-breaking sum for the club.

Albion will still come out of this transfer window with more than £90m in profit; thanks to the sales of Moises Caicedo, Robert Sanchez and Alexis Mac Allister for a combined total of £170m.

Related topics:BrightonBarcelonaLiverpoolTottenhamChelsea