Barca forced into embarrassing Dembele U-turn
Robin Bairner
- 5 Feb 2022 13:18 GMT
- 3 min read
Barcelona have been forced to back down in their battle with winger Ousmane Dembele, who had been threatened with exile if he turned down the club’s offers of a new contract.
Dembele was told to find a new club before the end of the January transfer window if he did not extend, but the former Borussia Dortmund winger held his ground in the face of pressure from Barca, who had even suggested they may be willing to take the France star to court over the issue.
And the winger has proven to be the winner of this arm wrestle with the club, forcing Barcelona to perform an embarrassing U-turn and admit that he is part of the first-team squad until the summer, when he will become a free agent if no new deal is agreed.
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“The circumstances meant that we didn’t find a solution to Dembele’s situation,” Xavi said. “Things were one way a month ago, and now they’re another way.
“He’s part of the club and part of the squad.
We cannot shoot ourselves in the foot
- Xavi“We cannot shoot ourselves in the foot. We can use him. He’s been a good professional when he’s been with the team, he can do well for us and we will use him where we see fit.
“What does it matter if we were wrong? Things are as they are. A month ago, we decided on one thing and now we’re doing what we believe what is best for the team.
“We want him to be part of the squad. He has a contract like any other player.”
Barca fans told to support Dembele
Xavi has pleaded with the Camp Nou crowd to be supportive of Dembele.
“We did everything we could to find a solution. I understand the position of the club, the player and the fans, who may be upset.
“Now we have to close ranks and we selfish: he has a contract and can help us.
“I understand that some people are hurt, but I ask you to cheer on Ousmane Dembele and the team.”
Barcelona will face Atletico Madrid on Sunday in a vital clash for their Champions League hopes next season.
