Monaco stall on Ansu Fati transfer due to salary concerns as Barcelona attacker's future remains a mystery

Barcelona and Monaco were in advanced talks over Fati’s transfer, but now the deal has stalled due to disagreement over his wages, according to L’Equipe. The French club is only willing to pay a limited share of the forward’s salary and has made it clear they won’t shift from that position. The club’s current attacking depth gives them leverage, meaning they’re in no rush to finalise the signing.

The Catalan giants are keen to trim their wage bill and part ways with Ansu, who no longer features in the club’s long-term plans. Monaco had emerged as the top destination, with Fati and Paul Pogba expected to be high-profile signings. But without a compromise on salary, the transfer hangs in limbo, affecting both clubs’ summer strategies.

Fati, who came from the famous La Masia academy became Barcelona’s youngest-ever goal scorer in La Liga at just 16 years old, and wears the No. 10 shirt vacated by Lionel Messi, a sign of the enormous expectations placed on him early in his career. However, he has struggled in recent seasons. After spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Brighton, he made just 11 appearances in all competitions for Hansi Flick's side last term.

Unless Monaco shifts its stance or Barcelona agrees to subsidise more of Ansu’s wages, the deal could collapse. Other clubs may enter the race if talks break down completely, but for now, his move to Ligue 1 is on hold.