Barcelona manager Xavi has expressed his disappointment over Ousmane Dembele’s intention to join Paris Saint-Germain.
According to Xavi, the 26-year-old French international forward has firmly decided to leave Barcelona and join Paris St-Germain.
Last summer, Dembele reaffirmed his commitment to Barcelona after a prolonged contract negotiation.
The Frenchman signed a new two-year deal, which was intended to keep him at the club until 2024.
However, the France international is now intending to return to his home country and join PSG.
The club are currently finalizing a deal that exceeds his €50 million (£43m) release clause, which expired on Monday, July 31st.
On Wednesday, 26th July, Dembele was present as an unused substitute during Barcelona’s 1-0 victory against AC Milan in a pre-season friendly held in Las Vegas.
However, Xavi has expressed his strong vexation for the Frenchman’s departure, making it evident that he was angry.
Xavi expressed his thoughts concisely, stating: “I will be very clear. He has been very straightforward in informing us that he has received a proposal from Paris St-Germain.”
“PSG have reached out to him from there, and unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it here. That is the reason why he hasn’t played today.”
“It hurts me because I believe we have provided excellent care for him here, ensuring his happiness and satisfaction, while also enabling him to continue making a positive impact on us.”
Dembele was a member of the France team that made it to the Qatar World Cup final in December.
However, due to a thigh injury, he was unable to participate for most of the second half of the season, during which Barcelona emerged as the La Liga champions.
Meanwhile, Dembele scored a goal during the 3-0 victory against Real Madrid in Dallas on Saturday, July 29.
Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for a staggering £135m in 2017, Dembele has managed to score an impressive total of 40 goals in 185 games.
Meanwhile, it is believed that Dembele’s departure from Barcelona will assist the club in addressing their dire financial situation.
However, Xavi is now faced with the loss of one of his key players to PSG, a team that has emerged victorious in Ligue 1 nine times out of the last eleven seasons.
Barcelona plan to acquire Joao Cancelo using a portion of Dembele’s €50 million
Barcelona are currently strategizing for their future plans, taking into account the potential absence of Ousmane Dembele from the squad.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the Catalan giants who have been pursuing Joao Cancelo for a long time, are set to make a final effort to secure his signature from Manchester City.
According to Romano, Barcelona are considering utilizing a portion of Dembele’s €50 million release clause to secure the signing of Cancelo.
However, Barcelona may face a difficult task in securing the signing of the Portuguese international, as reports suggest that Pep Guardiola has included Cancelo in his plans for the upcoming season.
This decision comes after the player’s impressive performances in the pre-season friendlies.
If Manchester City ends up keeping Cancelo, Barcelona will redirect their attention to another player they have been interested in for a long time.
The Catalans giants will channel their efforts into acquiring Real Valladolid’s veteran right-back Ivan Fresneda.
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