The roller-coaster journey of Ansu Fati in the South of France appears to be coming to a premature end. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, renowned French insider Romain Molina dropped a bombshell report stating that AS Monaco have already made a "definitive call" not to trigger the purchase option in Fati’s loan agreement.
Despite a start to the season that looked like a career resurrection, the 23-year-old’s dream of a permanent move to the Principality has collapsed just before the winter break.
A Story of Two Managers
The decision is largely being attributed to the tactical shift following a mid-season managerial change at the Stade Louis II.
The Hütter Peak: Under former coach Adi Hütter, Fati flourished. He scored six goals in his first five matches, looking like the explosive world-beater who once wore Barcelona’s No. 10 shirt.
The Pocognoli Decline: Since Sébastien Pocognoli took the helm, Fati’s role has evaporated.
The Belgian manager favors high-pressing, defensive work rates from his wingers—a style that has left Fati on the bench. He has not started a match since November 22nd and hasn't scored since early October.
The Financial Dealbreaker
While Fati's talent is undeniable, the numbers simply no longer add up for Monaco's Sporting Director, Thiago Scuro.
1. The Buy Option: Monaco had an option to sign Fati for a relatively modest €11m – €12m.
2. The Salary Hurdle: The real issue is Fati's massive wage packet. He remains one of Barcelona's highest earners,
and Monaco is reportedly unwilling to take on the full weight of his contract permanently for a player who is currently a "bench option."
3. Injury Concerns: Minor physical setbacks in December have reignited fears about his long-term durability, making a permanent investment feel too risky for the Ligue 1 side.
"Monaco no longer wants Ansu Fati," Molina stated bluntly on social media. "The decision is made. He will return to Barcelona in June."
What This Means for Barcelona
This news is a significant headache for Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco. The club had hoped the Monaco loan would lead to a clean sale to help balance their delicate "Financial Fair Play" situation.
Back to Camp Nou: Fati is under contract with Barça until 2028. If no other buyer is found, he will return to Hansi Flick’s squad next summer.
The "Ferran Torres" Domino: Reports suggest that if Barça cannot sell Fati, it may force them to accelerate the sale of other forwards, or potentially keep Fati as a "low-cost" backup for Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
The Verdict: It’s a cruel twist for a player who seemed to have finally found his spark. Fati now faces a "lame duck" six months in Monaco unless a January "sub-loan" can be arranged to a club in Spain or the Premier League.