Barcelona contract rebel ‘happier than ever’ at the club, opens door to stay

There seems to be a fresh turn in the Ousmane Dembele contract saga at Barcelona.

After talks over a new deal had broken down completely during January, the Frenchman looked all set to depart Camp Nou at the end of the campaign when his contract would run down.

It was also expected that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner would, at best, be used as a bit-part player. However, that has not been the case as Xavi Hernandez has put his faith in the 24-year-old and he has repaid it in full, putting in some match-winning performances in recent weeks.

It had sparked talks of a potential contract renewal, although president Joan Laporta had insisted that there had been no change in his status since January.

But, earlier this week, reports claimed that Barcelona made contact with Dembele’s agent, Moussa Dembele, to reinitiate contract negotiations.

Now, Helena Condis of COPE has also provided an update on the situation, claiming that the French international has been happier than ever at Barça and could consider staying put if the club were to make the first move.

The journalist further adds that Xavi would also love for the former Borussia Dortmund winger to stay put at Camp Nou. That is a sentiment echoed by several of his teammates as well, with many publicly urging him to consider continuing his career at the club.

Dembele has been playing some of his best football under the tutelage of Xavi. The 24-year-old has one goal and nine assists in 12 La Liga matches. It is by far the best he has performed throughout his Barcelona career.

The faith shown by Xavi, the rekindled partnership with his former Dortmund teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all seemingly paid off for the winger. Whether it is enough for him to reach a compromise on his wage demands and sign a new deal remains to be seen.