Barca Universal
·12 January 2025
Barca Universal
·12 January 2025
FC Barcelona just announced their starting lineup and the matchday squad for the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid in Jeddah.
Manager Hansi Flick has opted to name an unchanged starting lineup from the midweek semi-final clash against Athletic Club, despite having Dani Olmo back at his disposal after his registration issues were sorted.
And, much like the midweek match, Flick has once again opted to omit out-of-favour forward Ansu Fati from the Barcelona matchday squad.
The 22-year-old La Masia forward has become a marginalised figure at Barça since returning from his injury towards the end of last year.
Having featured in the first game of 2025 – the Copa del Rey clash against UD Barbastro – as a substitute, Ansu has now been left out of the matchday squad for a second consecutive game.
This certainly raises question marks over Barcelona’s current No. 10, once regarded as the future of the club.
Left out again. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The Blaugrana are pursuing the signing of Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United this month and need to free up some salary space in the squad.
Fati, given he is no longer favoured by the manager and occupies the same position as Rashford, could be the sacrificial lamb for Barça, who are also preparing to part ways with wantaway star Ronald Araujo.
Interestingly, Toni Fernandez and Pablo Torre have also been omitted, although that is likely due to the returns of Pau Victor and Dani Olmo in the squad.
As for Ansu, Sevilla have shown an interest in signing him on loan but a move appears impossible due to the strained relationship between the two clubs.
Several other clubs in La Liga and Europe are looking at the Spaniard, although his wages could pose an issue.