Ansu Fati contract extension close, Koeman confirms

Barcelona are close to tying Ansu Fati down to a new long-term contract, head coach Ronald Koeman has confirmed.

The Catalans are said to have been focused on handing out bumper deals to their most promising talents after losing Lionel Messi in pre-season, with a rebuild well under way.

Media speculation in recent days suggested their hopes of renewing Fati's deal had hit a stumbling block, with his agent Jorge Mendes apparently unwilling for a €1billion release clause to be inserted into his contract.

Such a clause proved no obstacle to securing Pedri's future and quickly the news reports were turned on their heads, with Mundo Deportivo claiming on Tuesday that a deal has been struck with Fati and Mendes "in principle".

Fati has broken a host of records since his emergence as a 16-year-old in 2019, including becoming Barcelona's youngest ever LaLiga goalscorer, and has looked sharp since returning from a serious knee injury.

He has already scored twice in just 94 minutes of LaLiga action this term, with Koeman easing him back.

Wearing Messi's former number 10 jersey, he looks set to lead Barca for at least the next five years.

"It's true that they are close [to an agreement]," Koeman told reporters ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev.

"It's very important news. He's a young player with a lot of quality. He's one of those who should shape the future of this club."

Fati's previous deal was technically due to expire next year, though Barca did have the option to unilaterally extend the agreement until 2024, much like the case with Pedri prior to the signing of his new contract.

Pedri signed on until 2026 and Fati is rumoured to be in line for a similarly lengthy extension.

While news of an impending contract renewal for Fati will undoubtedly reassure supporters, many will still be concerned about the team's form.

They head into the match against Dynamo having lost their past three Champions League home games, their worst ever run in Europe and as many defeats as they had suffered in 74 previous matches at Camp Nou in the competition.

In fact, 25 per cent of all Barcelona home defeats in the Champions League have come under Koeman despite this being just his second season, and he sees Wednesday's game as integral.

After all, since 2003-04, nine teams have progressed to the knockout stages after losing their first two group games, but only Atalanta (2019-20) qualified following three successive losses at the beginning of their campaign.

"Yes, it is decisive," he said. "We have to win to have a chance to qualify. There is no other choice but to win.

"We know what we have to do and it's the only possibility to progress past this phase of the Champions League.

"It's true that we played against them [Dynamo] last year, but today they are a better team than a year ago.

"We clearly know what to expect. It's true that we risk our future in this Champions League by losing two games – we have to win and there's nothing else for it."