Barcelona president offers update on the situations of Dembele, De Jong, and Gavi

Barcelona are facing enormous pressure in the transfer market this summer. While the club have roped in Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie this week, the two players dominating the headlines are Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele.

Both the players have been subjected to a move away from Camp Nou in the summer, with Dembele already becoming a free agent after running out his contract at the end of June.

Speaking to the media this week, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has offered a crucial update on Barça’s stance on Dembele and de Jong’s situation, suggesting the club are keen on keeping both the players this summer.

“Frenkie de Jong is Barcelona player – we don’t want to sell him unless we have no other choice. Of course we know there are offers for de Jong – but we don’t want to sell him,” said Laporta (h/t BarçaTV+), when asked about de Jong.

The Barcelona president replied to queries about Dembele as well, adding: “Dembele is no longer a Barça player.”

But Laporta states Barcelona are open to renewing his contract if the player is ready to lower his terms and accept the club’s final offer. “We continue to discuss, and we are open, there is an offer, if he accepts our proposal he will be there, otherwise not because we are not going to distort the salary issue. We have to adapt to the salary structure,” he said.

Speaking of contract renewal, sporting director Mateu Alemany effectively confirmed reports of Barcelona reaching an agreement with Gavi over a new deal. He claims an agreement has already been reached and the player will continue at Camp Nou for the foreseeable future.

“Gavi is 17 years old and until he turns 18, he can’t sign for four seasons. The agreement in principle for his RENEWAL is already in place. Gavi will 100% continue at Barcelona,” said Alemany.