Video: Ousmane Dembele tells a fan he’s staying at Barcelona

Ousmane Dembele’s future at Barcelona had long seemed settled following months of fruitless negotiations between his representatives and the club.

Although both parties were interested in reaching an agreement, the ludicrous demands from Dembele’s agents put Barça in a different position to negotiate, especially in the midst of a financial crisis.

Dembele’s saga finally came to an end earlier this month, when it was reported the forward had rejected the club’s final offer for renewal. It was, therefore, widely believed Dembele is going to leave Camp Nou as a free agent this summer, with Chelsea among the clubs interested in his services.

However, when travelling around the city, Dembele was asked by a fan (h/t Actualite Barca) whether he would remain at Barcelona, amid speculation linking him with a move away from Camp Nou.

“You’re staying at Barca?”, asked the fan, to which Dembele responded: “yea”. The Frenchman remained quiet when asked about Chelsea links, but added: “I feel good at Barça”

Un de nos followers nous a envoyé ça. #Dembele ?? pic.twitter.com/kTV0uTr61M

— Actualité – Barça (@ActualiteBarca) June 18, 2022

Dembele’s comments are sure to puzzle a large sect of Barcelona fans, who have taken his departure for granted this summer.

The Catalans had even launched the project to sign a new right winger such as Raphinha or Angel Di Maria, in the aftermath of failed negotiations with the former Borussia Dortmund forward.

However, with Barcelona anticipating a €700-800 million financial boost following the expected sale of 49.9% of BLM and a quarter of the TV rights, there is a possibility the club may launch a final, more improved offer in a last-gasp attempt to retain the services of Dembele.

The Frenchman’s official contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of this month, so time is running out for both parties, as they look to reach an agreement over the coming days.