Xavi Expresses Disappointment as Dembele Nears PSG Move
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, has openly expressed his disappointment at the possibility of Ousmane Dembele’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The potential transfer not only deals a blow to Barcelona’s prospects but also leaves Xavi feeling let down.
The transfer saga involving Dembele, who emerged as a target for PSG in late July, has caused a stir. The French giants reportedly triggered his £43 million release clause just before the deadline, which could double to around £86 million. The 26-year-old player informed Barcelona of his desire to leave, seeking permission to discuss the potential move with PSG.
Despite Barcelona’s efforts to extend Dembele’s contract, set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, he has turned down their offers. This rejection seems to have set him on a path toward joining PSG in the French capital.
Following Barcelona’s pre-season victory over AC Milan, Xavi spoke to TV3, stating his disappointment with Dembele’s decision. He asserted that players who are not fully committed to the project must be allowed to depart. Xavi said, “Dembele has told us that he wants to leave… We can’t compete with the proposal made to him from France.”
Barcelona’s financial challenges, stemming from the ongoing pandemic, have heightened the importance of selling Dembele for the full amount once the release clause deadline passed. Despite the impending departure, Barcelona still boasts a range of attacking options including Raphinha, Ansu Fati, Abde Ezzalzouli, Ferran Torres, and last season’s top scorer Robert Lewandowski.
Dembele was a significant player for Xavi last season when fit, contributing eight goals and nine assists in 35 appearances. However, his decision to leave has left not only Xavi but also former Barcelona star Jordi Alba with a bitter taste. Alba stated, “It tastes bad because he is a differential player. I would love him to stay.”
Xavi has reportedly warned Dembele about the risks of leaving Barcelona for PSG, drawing a parallel with Neymar’s transfer. Neymar’s world-record move to PSG in 2017 failed to bring the desired Champions League success to the French club. Despite this, PSG has emphasized that Dembele’s potential arrival won’t impact Kylian Mbappe’s future at the club, envisioning both players as a tandem force at the Parc des Princes.
