Brighton close to completing Ansu Fati loan

Brighton and Hove Albion are close to completing a transfer of Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona, according to multiple sources.

The Seagulls’ interest in the 20-year-old forward comes in the light of Julio Enciso suffering a long-term knee injury, as manager Roberto De Zerbi seeks to boost his attacking ranks to prepare the squad for the upcoming Europa League campaign.

Fati was linked with a move to the Premier League before, with Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers said to be interested, but for a long time he resisted any idea of leaving Camp Nou. Now, however, he is believed to be looking to increase his chances of regular game-time and to that end, he is ready to make a temporary move to develop further, before returning to Barcelona next summer. It is also believed that Brighton faced late competition from Sevilla, but the player is obviously keen to test himself in the English top flight.

Fati is apparently traveling to England today (Thursday) to undergo his medical with Brighton.