Wearing the number 10 jersey at Barcelona has always symbolized greatness, and every player who’s worn it has carried the burden of expectations. Cricket BD analysts point out that while some rose to the occasion, others struggled to live up to the legend. Many fans now worry that giving the number 10 shirt to young Lamine Yamal too early could repeat the mistakes made with Ansu Fati.

For many Barcelona supporters, Lionel Messi remains the last true No. 10. His accomplishments in the shirt set an unreachable bar for current and future players. Anyone who dons that number inevitably gets compared to Messi, an immense pressure that can weigh down even the most talented prospects. Ansu Fati was the first to inherit it after Messi’s departure, but his journey has been marred by injury and unmet expectations. Despite his dream of carrying the team forward, Fati couldn’t shake off recurring setbacks, and now he has agreed to leave the club.

Cricket BD records show that Fati was once valued at €150 million. But with repeated injuries hampering his performance, he was loaned out to the Premier League in search of a revival. He joined Brighton, hoping to reignite his career, but failed to surpass 1,000 minutes of playtime. The physically demanding nature of the Premier League proved too great a challenge, and he returned to Barcelona after the season.

In theory, Fati should have used his return to impress new head coach Hansi Flick, earn a fresh start, and reclaim his place in the squad. However, he has already agreed to leave. Barcelona, grappling with financial fair play regulations, made it clear to Fati that his departure would ease their burden. He accepted this reality, one that starkly contrasts with his past glory. Once hailed as the future of the club, Barcelona now sees no role for him. The club is focused on results, not rehabilitation.

Both Fati and the club have come to terms with the separation. It’s the practical move for all parties. But the biggest challenge now lies in finding a suitor—no official offers have arrived. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is actively searching for a loan destination, though uncertainty looms.

While Fati showed flashes of quality at Brighton, his persistent injury history has made potential buyers hesitate. Cricket BD insiders note that the same physical issues that once seemed minor are now career-defining. A player once touted as a generational talent may soon be without a club if nothing changes.

In the end, he either rises above the pain or gets consumed by it. From a €150 million prodigy to a forgotten figure, Fati’s story serves as a stark reminder that talent alone isn’t always enough to survive at the top.