Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi explains Ansu Fati transfer as deal confirmed on deadline day
Brighton have signed Ansu Fati on loan on transfer deadline day
PA
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has explained his side's decision to sign Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona.
The Spain international was once touted as one of the best young players in world football, having replaced Lionel Messi as the Catalan giants' No 10.
Fati has struggled ever since an injury in 2020, however.
And he's now been loaned to Brighton with Barcelona hopeful he'll rediscover the form that made him so impressive upon bursting onto the scene in 2019.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is thrilled with Ansu Fati transfer
PA
Brighton confirmed his arrival on their website by saying: "We are pleased to confirm the signing of Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
"The 20-year-old made 36 La Liga appearances last season for Barca, as they secured their first title for four years."
And De Zerbi explained his decision to sign Fati by saying: “This is a great deal for all of us.
"I am sure Ansu will help us to reach a new target and we can help him get back at the level he deserves to be.”
Brighton technical director David Weir also spoke out on the deal.
“We are delighted to bring Ansu to the club," he said.
"He is one of the most highly-rated young players in the world and arrives with an impressive amount of experience both domestically and in European competition, despite his age.
“This season is the biggest in the club’s history and we’re really happy that a player of Ansu’s quality is going to be part of it.
"We will give him the opportunity to embed himself in the squad and to get used to working with Roberto, but naturally we’re excited to see him in a Brighton shirt.”
Fati has been at Barcelona ever since joining their academy at the age of 10.
He was impressive in the 2019/2020 campaign, scoring eight goals from 33 appearances.
Fati has 29 goals for Barcelona in total, having found the net 10 times from 51 games last season.
The 20-year-old has also made nine appearances for Spain, too.
And he's scored twice for La Roja, in matches against Ukraine and Jordan in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
Brighton have confirmed Fati on the same day in which they've learned their Europa League opponents.
The Seagulls have been drawn in Group B.
They're scheduled to face European heavyweights Marseille and Ajax, as well as AEK Athens.
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Ansu Fati has joined Brighton on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season
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Brighton are next in action against Newcastle on Saturday (5.30pm).