Xavi changes his mind over Dembélé’s situation – report

The season is just over halfway done, and Barcelona are in a delicate situation on all fronts. Their place in the top-4 of the league is far from assured, and the Europa League boasts no small oppositions either.

To add salt to the wounds, the Blaugranas have been knocked out of the Copa Del Rey and Spanish Supercup too.

Four crucial months of football lurk ahead of the Catalans. Not only will these months decide Barcelona’s participation in next season’s Champions League but also their financial returns for the season. Needless to say, the stakes are high.

According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Xavi prefers to keep Ousmane Dembélé in the first team loop if he stays until the summer. The manager is opposed to sending the player to the stands, especially given the dire circumstances.

This comes as a surprise, for Xavi’s stance was radically different just last week. When Mateu Alemany gave Dembélé his ultimatum, the manager firmly declared that the Frenchman would have to see off six months on the stands if he did not renew.

Despite the club’s most sincere efforts, the 24-year-old has refused to sign a new deal until his high wage expectations are met. However, it has not been smooth sailing for him, as he had no offers on the table until earlier today.

As things stand, Manchester United and Chelsea are said to have taken interest in his availability. Tottenham is also attentive to the player’s situation, according to Catalunya Radio, but Dembélé’s wage demands are an obstacle for the Premier League club.

If the Frenchman leaves Barcelona, the club will be able to sign new players in the current window. It would not only open the door for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but also Alejandro Grimaldo.