Ansu Fati returns to Barcelona following Brighton loan spell

In a heartfelt social media post, Brighton expressed gratitude and stated, "Thank you for the memories, Ansu," while sharing a montage of the player's moments with the team.

Fati's arrival during the winter transfer window was aimed to bolster Roberto de Zerbi's attacking options, yet De Zerbi's departure from the 'Seagulls' further clouded Fati's future.

Injuries plagued Fati's time at Brighton, limiting his impact despite featuring in 27 matches across various competitions and netting four goals. A hamstring injury in his right leg sustained on November 25 against Nottingham sidelined him for over three months, with his return not until February 4.

During his stint, Fati managed just over 600 minutes of playtime, failing to sway Brighton's decision-makers towards a permanent deal for the upcoming season.

Despite his struggles, Fati remains under contract with Barcelona until 2027, now set to be guided by Hansi Flick, who has succeeded Xavi Hernandez as coach.

Brighton, initially promising, faltered due to a string of injuries, culminating in an 11th place finish in the Premier League.

The spotlight now shifts to Flick, who reportedly has plans to evaluate Fati during pre-season, potentially offering him an opportunity for redemption.

Fati's underwhelming loan tenure had fuelled expectations of his departure in the summer. However, reports suggest Flick's keenness to engage with Fati personally, assessing his capabilities first-hand before making a final call on his future.

With a turbulent journey at both Barcelona and Brighton, Fati's fate hangs in the balance, awaiting Flick's verdict on his potential revival.