Poll reveals Barcelona fans’ opinion on Dembele after performance vs Athletic Club

It has been a roller-coaster ride this season for Barcelona. From facing the early season lows under Ronald Koeman to the exit from the Champions League in December, they are now turning on the style and are back on the right track.

New manager Xavi Hernandez has had time to work things out and the massive January transfer window has also been a major help in the team turning things around. Amidst all the positives, though, the situation surrounding Ousmane Dembele sticks out like a sore thumb.

The Frenchman refused the club’s contract offer towards the end of last year, prompting talks of a January exit that never materialised. Speculations also rose about him being banished from the first team or having his contract torn up, but there was no follow-up.

Instead, Xavi decided to hand Dembele another chance in the side and the 24-year-old has made the most of it. The pacy forward has put in some eye-catching performances over the past month, but the display against Athletic Club this past Sunday was on a whole new level.

The way Dembele upped the ante after coming on and capped off a fine display with a brilliantly taken goal along with two fine assists for Luuk de Jong and Memphis Depay, has led to talks of a potential contract renewal.

Dembele has been whistled at by fans in stadiums every time he is warming up or coming on as a substitute. But, it seems like the performance against Athletic may have brought about a change of heart among a section of supporters.

Following the weekend clash, Barça Universal ran a poll on Twitter asking fans if they think Dembele should ‘stay or leave’ after his recent performances. And a large majority of the supporters, 85.7% to be exact, have voted in favour of the Frenchman continuing at Camp Nou.

Poll: After seeing his performance from yesterday, Dembélé should..

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 28, 2022

Of a total of 9,308 voter after the poll ended, 7,977 wish the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner stays with Barça while 1,331 voters still believe that a parting of ways at the end of the season is the best way forward.

This is a major turnaround from the results of a poll that Barça Universal ran back in December when 55% of the voting supporters wanted Dembele gone. With still time left for the poll to complete, the percentage could stand to increase further.

With still four months left on his deal, there is enough time to discuss a new contract, if that is the path that Barcelona and Dembele wish to take.