Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has insisted that he wishes to see Ousmane Dembele sign a new contract and prolong his stay at the club.
Speaking to the media ahead of Barcelona’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt (h/t MARCA), manager Xavi Hernandez has opined on the situation surrounding contract rebel Ousmane Dembele.
The 24-year-old Frenchman is in the final few months of his contract at Camp Nou. When talks over a new deal broke down at the turn of the year, the winger looked headed for an exit once his current one ran out. However, a resurgence in form and the strong relationship with Xavi has brought about talks of a potential extension for Dembele.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund attacker has been one of Barcelona’s best players in recent weeks. He has emerged as a true creative force, registering ten assists in La Liga. Dembele is easily playing some of his finest football in the Blaugrana colours since his arrival in 2017.
Naturally, it has given way to speculations that the two parties may be willing to work out a new contract arrangement. To that end, Barcelona’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, even held a meeting with Dembele’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, in Morocco earlier this week. However, it is believed that the discussion has not changed anything as things stand, although further talks could be held.
Xavi on Dembélé: "I'd sign his new contract immediately, no doubt! But we need the numbers to work, it's a negotiation – same with Araújo that looks almost done, Gavi, Sergi Roberto". ?? #FCB
"I hope he stays. He could be one of the best players of the world in his position". pic.twitter.com/cOitWMMLIr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2022
And Xavi, when asked about the situation surrounding the French international, said, “It’s a negotiation. The club is working. Hopefully we can count on him, we are a better team with him, with Ronald, with Gavi… if we can get them to continue, we will have a better squad.”
“There are several, Sergi Roberto as well. The club knows my priorities. I hope Ousmane stays. I see him motivated and happy. He is a differential player. At the Bernabeu, a play on the wing and 0-1. Well worked he can be one of the best in the world in his position. I hope he stays. I would sign him already. But it’s a club issue,” he added.
At the same time, Xavi acknowledged the club was not in the best of financial situations but guaranteed that everyone involved was trying to find the best possible solution. “We don’t have the best financial situation in history. Mateu Alemany is squaring numbers, and Jordi and the president,” he said.
With still more than two months left on his contract, Barcelona have time to sort things out with Dembele. Whether an agreement is reached or if he ends up leaving in a Bosman deal remains to be seen.
