Mourinho's Fenerbahce eye shocking move for Barcelona's 'Messi replacement'

Turkish Super Lig giants are keeping tabs on Barcelona's transfer-listed asset.

Fenerbahce are reportedly expected to return for Barcelona's Ansu Fati as they seek to strengthen their offensive ranks with the Spain international. 

Fati scrapping for game time

Once billed as the Blaugrana’s permanent replacement for Lionel Messi and handed the jersey number 10 after the Argentine’s dramatic exit from the club, injuries have prevented Fati from reaching those projected heights. 

He was sent out on loan to Brighton's in the Premier League last season, and when he was not injured, he failed to force himself into the Roberto De Zerbi set-up. 

Hence, the Blaugrana were prepared to part with him during the summer transfer window, however, another injury impaled a possible move, and he stayed on their books beyond the summer. 

Ansu Fati is back in the Barcelona first team | Credit: Imago

Fenerbahce still want Fati 

Back healthy, Fati has seen scant minutes, with other forwards preferred to him. However, he was impressive last time out in the triumph over Alaves and is expected to make his first start of the season next weekend against Sevilla. 

Fenerbahce are reportedly keeping tabs on him, as they were one of the clubs that actively pursued him last summer before his unfortunate foot injury. They are said to be raring for another go. Still, they will have to battle Sevilla, whose sporting director Mario Branco has a meeting scheduled with Fati’s representatives in the coming weeks.