Sometimes it’s better not to let things drag on. On the FC Barcelona side, the situation of Ousmane Dembélé, at the heart of the debates for several months, took another turn this Thursday, and not really positive. At the end of the contract next June, the 24-year-old winger has still not extended his lease with the Blaugranas despite several discussions with his leaders. It must be said that his requests, as well as those of those around him, are quite… voluminous. Suddenly, Barça decided to take the bull by the horns on Thursday morning.
Football director Mateu Alemany simply invited the 2018 world champion to pack his bags before January 31, when the winter transfer window closes: “It seems obvious to us that the player does not want to continue at Barça. And he is therefore not engaged with the future project of the club. (…) In this context, it was communicated to his agents and to the player that we must leave immediately because we want players committed to this project. It is hoped that a transfer will occur before January 31.”
“Ousmane’s situation has not changed. He has to make up his mind.”
A few hours later, the main concerned had come out of silence on his account Instagram, but the situation is still tense even if the former element of Borussia Dortmund was present in training this Saturday. In a press conference before the La Liga match against Alavés (Sunday, 9 p.m.), FCB coach Xavi Hernandez put the pressure on his player: “Ousmane’s situation has not changed. He has to make up his mind, nothing has changed. (…) He trains well, but he knows his situation perfectly. There is no more debate, I think I have been clear. It’s up to him now.”
Already ruled out by his coach for the round of 16 of the Copa del Rey lost to Athletic on Thursday evening (2-3 after extra time), Ousmane Dembélé could therefore still be sidelined in a few hours if his situation is not not resolved by then. But for Xavi, there are not 36 solutions. “There are still days (before the transfer window closes, editor’s note) and there is no alternative”, chained the former midfielder who will give his group on Sunday morning. Good atmosphere…
