West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona forward Ansu Fati on loan, with the club also expressing interest in Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. The pursuit comes amid injury woes and a frustrating campaign for new manager Graham Potter.
Ansu Fati’s Struggles at Barcelona
The 22-year-old winger has endured a series of injuries that have hampered his development. After spending last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, where a calf injury limited him to two goals in 19 Premier League appearances, Fati returned to Barcelona. Under new manager Hansi Flick, he participated in the club’s preseason but has since struggled with a foot injury and limited game time.
Fati has played just 135 minutes across four La Liga matches this season, adding to concerns about his fitness. Despite amassing 120 appearances, 29 goals, and 9 assists for Barcelona, the winger has not lived up to expectations as Lionel Messi’s heir. With two years remaining on his £226,000-a-week contract, his future at Camp Nou remains uncertain.
West Ham’s Growing Injury Crisis
Graham Potter is keen to strengthen his attacking options following significant setbacks. Jarrod Bowen, West Ham’s key threat on the right flank, fractured his foot in a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool in December. Additionally, forwards Michail Antonio (broken leg) and Niclas Füllkrug (hamstring) are also sidelined, leaving the Hammers short of firepower.
A loan deal for Fati could provide much-needed reinforcements as the club seeks to salvage their season. West Ham reportedly see the Spanish international as a versatile addition capable of injecting creativity and goals into their struggling attack.
Rashford’s Future in Limbo
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford’s uncertain position at Manchester United has drawn interest from both Barcelona and West Ham. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Catalan giants were offered Rashford, who has not featured for United since being dropped following the Manchester Derby in December.
Rashford, 27, is reportedly open to a move to the London Stadium, with his agent actively negotiating with several clubs to secure a transfer this month. The addition of Rashford could offer West Ham a potent solution to their attacking woes and potentially fill the gap left by Bowen’s injury.
What’s Next for West Ham?
The London club faces a critical period in their campaign, with Potter tasked with navigating a challenging injury situation and reshaping his squad. Signing Ansu Fati and potentially securing Rashford’s services could drastically change West Ham’s fortunes as they push to climb the Premier League table.
Fans will be eager to see whether these ambitious moves materialize, signaling intent and ambition under Potter’s management.