Ansu Fati set to make Brighton debut against Manchester United, Evan Ferguson doubtful
The 20-year-old attacker completed a surprise loan move to the Seagulls from La Liga champions Barcelona on the final day of the summer transfer window and will remain with De Zerbi's side for the rest of the 2023-24 campaign.
Fati has had time to settle into his new surroundings on the South coast after he was not called up to represent Spain during the international break, and he has trained with his new Brighton teammates ahead of this weekend's match at Man United.
Fellow new recruit Carlos Baleba, who has joined from Lille on a permanent deal, has also taken part in training, although The Athletic's Andy Naylor claims that the 19-year-old midfielder may not be involved against the Red Devils as De Zerbi feels that «it is more difficult for a midfielder (or central defender) to adapt quickly.»
Speaking at a press conference about Fati on Friday, De Zerbi said: «I don't know if at the beginning of the game or during the game in the second half, but [Fati] is ready to play.
»I want him to enjoy the game and I want to enjoy watching him. He has only had four or five sessions with us so I want to give him as much time as possible. He is a big, big talent. The same applies to Carlos Baleba, he is a great talent."
Discussing Fati's best position, De Zerbi added: «He can play number nine, 10 or 11 as well. He's a big talent, but I've only been working with him for a week. If you ask me again in one month, I can be more precise.»
Fati predominantly played as a left winger for Barcelona last season, scoring 10 goals in 51 games across all
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