Xavi Hernandez is hoping his burgeoning relationship with Ousmane Dembele can open the door for talks about a new contract for the Barcelona winger. The pair are developing a strong understanding since Xavi lobbied the Barca board to get Dembele back into the first-team fold.
Dembele remains open to conversations about his long-term future despite being advised to leave in January. He is enjoying his present time under the former midfielder.
Xavi, on the other hand, has come to Dembele’s defense. Quickly dispelling rumors that the Frenchman is an enfant terrible. He pointed out that he has been instrumental in settling the new arrival of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang at Camp Nou.
Xavi has refused to rule out the potential of a Barcelona U-turn on Dembele’s future. Despite the fact that Chelsea and Paris St-Germain are particularly interested in a free transfer this summer.
Their amicable relationship contrasts sharply with the board’s public spat with Dembele’s representation over his contract position.
The board of directors told Dembele to look for a new club. He refused to sign new terms that involved a significant wage cut. the club was looking to sign other players in his position. He had some interest from PSG and Chelsea. Dembele stayed and has begun to reclaim some of his greatest forms under Xavi’s guidance.
Xavi said, “That’s why we and I want to stress that it’s not just me but the club too – have decided that he’s able to play with the team. Had he been a bad professional, we may have decided on something else, but he’s been a true professional and a role model in terms of the way he’s carried himself within the group, and that’s ultimately what matters.”
Ousmane’s contract expires in June, and it’s a matter between the club and him. Xavi said that he was quite pleased with him. Dembele has been a model professional even when he knew he wasn’t going to make the squad. He hasn’t had a single issue with Ousmane.
Dembele is scheduled to start tonight’s last-16 second-leg match against Napoli in the Europa League. Xavi spoke with Dembele a week after the transfer window closed. The two agreed to work together for the sake of Barca at least until the summer.
Xavi then revealed this to the players and staff in a display of togetherness. And they reportedly cheered Dembele’s name as he was reintroduced into the team. This has been reflected in the good comments about Dembele made to the media by teammates and club officials since then.
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