“He could stay”: Barcelona vice president issues update on contract rebel’s situation

When Barcelona could not offload Ousmane Dembele in the winter, club president Joan Laporta wanted the winger to sit in the stands for the remaining six months of his contract.

Xavi, on the other hand, understood what the Frenchman could offer to his team, especially as a creative presence. He went against Laporta’s advice and decided to use him as a key player.

What started as a substitute role under the new manager turned out to be the discover of something special. Dembele now has the joint second-most assists in the league, and averages a goal contribution every hour or so.

Barcelona fans have not taken time getting behind Dembele’s renewal cause, and the club’s vice-president was interrogated about the same. As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said, “If Ousmane continues to feel comfortable, we can meet his agents and he could stay.”

The management is clearly sending a signal to Dembele’s entourage, but seem unwilling to make the first move after talks broke down in January.

If the World Cup winner ends up leaving, though, Barça seem to have their eyes set on Leeds United’s Raphinha as a potential replacement. They have already opened their bidding at €35 million, and personal terms worth five years have been agreed.

It is clear, though that the player feels comfortable under Xavi, who has spoken highly about him whenever asked. An example of the same can be quoted from Barcelona’s 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna, after which the manager said:

“People see that Dembele gives his life for Barça. He played a very good game, I already said that he was one more and that there was no more debate. Ousmane Dembele makes the difference.”

Xavi believes that the contract rebel could end up accepting Barcelona’s proposal by the end of the season. But will that the final twist in this soap opera? Find out in the next episode.