Dembele must make effort to stay at Barca – Xavi
Cameron Smith
- 4 Jan 2022 16:36 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona head coach Xavi has given a clear warning to winger Ousmane Dembele, and revealed he is "waiting for him to make the effort" amid concerns over the Frenchman's future at the club.
Dembele's contract at Barca expires at the end of this season, and as a result, he is free to begin discussions over a pre-contract at other clubs on the continent.
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The 24-year-old joined Barcelona in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled with injury problems ever since, and has never managed to stay fit for a prolonged period of time at the club.
He was the club's record signing at the time, with Barca paying an initial fee of €105m (£96.8m), although add-ons mean it could rise to €147m (£135.5m).
However, he has made just four starts in all competitions this season, with injury issues the problem yet again, and has been linked with a move away.
He is reportedly in discussions with Barcelona over a renewed deal, according to Football Espana, but that would involved the Frenchman accepting a reduced wage as Barca can't afford to continue paying what he currently earns.
Dembele is still undecided over his future, but Barcelona are keen to renew his deal. However, if the Frenchman doesn't want to extend his stay at the Camp Nou, then reports suggest the club will want to sell him in January to avoid losing him for free in the summer.
Xavi addressed the uncertain situation surrounding Dembele's future in his latest press conference. The former Barcelona midfielder admitted he "is relaxed and waiting for updates."
He added: "It depends on the club, on the player and his representatives.
“Ousmane will have to make an effort and think of his future, what happens through Barca.
“I am waiting for him to make the effort. In terms of sporting projects, this is the best for him.
“In no other place will he be happier than Barca. We are going to see if he decides.”
Dembele has provided two league assists this season, but is yet to score as Barcelona sit fifth in La Liga, 15 points behind table-toppers Real Madrid.
