Joel Veltman is already impressed by Ansu Fati, the Brighton & Hove Albion defender said in conversation with Football Daily. The Seagulls strengthened themselves on Deadline Day with the former top talent of Barcelona, after which Veltman contacted former teammate Frenkie de Jong to gain information. “He only said positive things about him and that he can give us a lot of opportunities on the field.” Veltman himself concludes that Fati is a ‘very special boy’ and is happy with his (temporary) arrival.
Fati will finish the season on loan at Brighton, after which he will in principle return to Barcelona. Veltman thinks it is good for the twenty-year-old attacker to spend a season in the Premier League. “He is still so young and so experienced, despite the fact that he had some injuries,” said the Velsen resident, who also spoke to De Jong about Fati’s qualities. “I also spoke to Frenkie de Jong a number of times about Fati. He only told positive things about him and that he can give us a lot of opportunities on the field. A very special boy.”
Veltman is happy that Brighton is able to sign players like Fati, temporarily or otherwise. “We are now on a very good path, because we can bring in guys like Ansu Fati. He had less chance of minutes at Barcelona than he hoped and the fact that he comes to us is of course very nice. Of course, we have already seen images of him and if you can add those types of players to your selection, then I think we are doing very well.” Brighton, which will play against Ajax in the Europa League, is currently in sixth place in the Premier League.
Fati is still waiting for his debut for Brighton, as he has not yet played for the English club due to his last-minute transfer and the international break. This Saturday he can play for the first time under manager Roberto De Zerbi at Old Trafford, when Brighton takes on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United. On behalf of Barcelona, Fati has already played three times in LaLiga this season, although he always had to make do with short substitute appearances. The total count for Barça so far stands at 112 official matches, in which the winger scored 29 goals and 10 assists. Fati is still at the Spotify Camp Nou until mid-2027.