Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez appears to have made his stance on Ansu Fati clear amid reports that the African-born star has been put up for sale.
Barca President Breaks Silence After Messi's Brother Slams Club
Last week, rumours suggested that the 20-year-old had become surplus to requirements amid transfer expert Fabrizio Romano's claim that Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are monitoring the winger's situation in Catalonia.
Following a bright start to life at Barcelona, the Spain international has found himself on the bench more often than not in recent times, but Xavi believes the speculation surrounding his future is uncalled for.
"I don't understand why this is being talked about now in our circles," he said, according to Press Goal.
"There is no market now, so Ansu is not for sale. He is a very important player for us – for now and for the future.
"I have extraordinary confidence in him. His performance will determine whether he gets more or fewer minutes. I really have blind confidence in him.
"He has to be a very important piece of the present and future. But he must be patient. There is too much haste in everything.
"The January window is over and I don't know why we are talking about this. We have to focus on what is at stake. For me, it's clear that he has to continue."
Barca To Sell Fati 'On One Condition'
Fati's current contract with the Catalan club expires in 2027, with his agent Jorge Mendes having revealed that teams across Europe enquired about his client at the start of the season.
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