The Parisians were prepared to offer Ansu Fati a 15 million euros-a-year salary – and a hefty bonus – to sign for them on a free transfer, as per Mundo Deportivo. The club’s attempts were in vain, though, as the youngster renewed his contract with boyhood club Barcelona.
The report also claims that the Ligue 1 runners-up wanted to exploit Fati’s contract situation with Barca, where ambiguity remained over the length of his existing contract, by offering him a signing bonus worth 30 million euros.
The Spaniard also had interested Liverpool and Manchester United. Both teams were willing to offer Fati similar terms, but the forward instead chose to renew with his boyhood club.
On Wednesday, Fati recommitted his future to Barcelona for at least five-and-a-half more years. His contract agreement was announced by the club on October 20, with a release clause worth 1 billion euros.
Upon signing the new deal, the 18-year-old confirmed that the Blaugrana had always been his first choice while also thanking the club for allowing him to be the wearer of the iconic number 10 after the departure of Lionel Messi.
“My first option was always to stay at Barca. I am very happy that the club has faith in me. I want to be a winner here.”
“I was very happy when the captains offered me the chance to wear number ten. I was willing to do it, but I don’t feel any additional pressure.
I know it will be impossible to achieve what Leo Messi achieved but I am ready to give my very best.”
he told the club’s website.
Fati missed the majority of the previous season due to a knee injury but returned to action recently. The Spaniard netted upon his return against Levante (3-0) and played a starring role in Barcelona’s come-from-behind win over Valencia (3-1) on the previous matchday. He scored his 15th senior goal for the club in just his 48th appearance against Los Che.
