Still at odds with FC Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé may have lost his last ally. Coach Xavi would no longer support the winger’s situation at the end of the contract. And would threaten him with a sideline if he did not respond favorably to the last extension offer.
Ousmane Dembélé’s situation could well get worse in the days or weeks to come. So far, the FC Barcelona winger has turned his back on management by dint of asking for crazy sums to extend. But has always been able to count on the support of Xavi. The coach appointed this winter has continued to compliment him, describing him as the future best player in his position, and as the next pillar of his team. But the weeks go by and nothing changes regarding the future of the Frenchman, who is heading straight for the end of his contract in June.
Xavi threatens Dembele!
The scenario is however incompatible with the speech of the player who assures Xavi that he absolutely wants to stay. Suffice to say that the technician has reason to feel betrayed. This may explain the twist revealed by Foot Mercato. Indeed, our colleagues announce a real ultimatum issued to Ousmane Dembélé. After a discussion with the coach, the latter would have indicated to the international tricolor that he had the choice between signing an extension or spending the second part of the season away from the group!
Remember that Xavi has however dismissed this sanction several times at a press conference. But since then, Barça have made a new offer to Ousmane Dembélé, with an estimated annual salary of between 20 and 25 million euros. Once again, the player’s clan would not have responded, hence the anger of the club and its coach, aware that this extension could free up the wage bill to recruit this winter. It remains to be seen whether this threat will encourage the former Rennais to review his requirements.