In Focus: Fati can prove he has a Bright future with Seagulls

Many were surprised when it emerged that Ansu Fati was set to join Brighton.

The Spaniard emerged as one of world football's brightest young talents when he made his Barcelona debut as a 16-year-old prodigy in 2019.

He broke several records with the Blaugrana, becoming their youngest-ever goal scorer in LaLiga and the youngest player to appear for the club in the Champions League.

Following his move to Brighton, we take a look at what Fati could bring to the Premier League.

Goal threat

Signing Fati on loan is certainly a major coup for Brighton and a sign of their continuing development under Roberto De Zerbi.

The 20-year-old made 51 appearances for Barcelona last season in all competitions, scoring ten times.

Capable of playing as a winger or forward, Fati placed fifth in the division for shots per 90 minutes (3.97) and fourth for expected goals (xG) per 90 (0.64).

De Zerbi will also be pleased that the Barcelona man ranked in LaLiga's top 20 for possessions won in the attacking third per 90 (0.98), suggesting he should have no problems pressing from the front.

Development

Fati has not reached the heights many anticipated after he burst onto the scene in 2019.

Injuries and the quality of competition at Barcelona have made things more difficult — but he remains a match-winner and is still young enough to develop further.

Where better than Brighton — one of Europe's most progressive and tactically-astute teams — for Fati to rediscover his best form?

After the signing was confirmed, De Zerbi said: "This is a great deal for all of us. I am sure Ansu will help us to reach a new target and we can help him get back to the level he deserves to be."

Opportunity

After starting only 21 LaLiga games since his Barcelona breakthrough, Fati will now be given regular football and the opportunity to star in the Europa League with Brighton.

He will also be able to demonstrate his finishing ability in a team that currently boasts the third-highest xG in the Premier League (9.68).

Barcelona boss Xavi said: "We want him to return and make history at Barcelona in the future.

"Ansu's part of the club's heritage, he just wanted to play and asked me to have this chance."

Big responsibility

De Zerbi has admitted he feels a "responsibility" to nurture the talented young players at Brighton.

He said: "If you work with this talent, you have much responsibility because it's our football heritage and we can't make mistakes with these players.

"It's a big responsibility and I feel it. I think our style is very close with his [Fati's] characteristics, with his qualities."

Debut

Fati could make his Brighton debut after the international break against Manchester United.

Stepping out at Old Trafford for the first time might be daunting for most 20-year-olds with no Premier League experience.

But he has won LaLiga, played at a World Cup and grown used to the pressure at the Nou Camp.

Making a big impact in a superb Brighton team should be no problem for Fati.