FC Barcelona ‘will seek an exit solution’ for Ousmane Dembélé if he does not renew

The technician of FC Barcelona Xavi Hernandez assured this Wednesday on the French end Ousmane Dembele that “either renew or seek a solution”, ruling out sending him to the stands for the remainder of the season if he does not agree to extend his contract.

“What I can say about Ousmane is that we are in a complex situation, the club has made the decision that if he does not renew, a solution will be sought”, stated Xavi at the press conference prior to the Copa del Rey round of 16 match against Athletic Club de Bilbao.

“It’s been five months since Mateu (Alemany, Barça’s director of football) has been talking with the player and his representative, we can’t wait any longer, either renew or seek a solution for the player,” added Xavi.

Asked if Dembélé, 24, could not play on Thursday against Athletic Club if he does not renew, Xavi stated that “we will decide tomorrow”, adding that “it is not easy or pleasant for me, for the player or for the club. We are in a situation where we have to stop in our tracks.”

“It hurts me for the player, also for us and our sporting interests, but here what comes first is the interest of the club and we have to decide what is best for the entity”, explained the Barça coach.

Dembélé’s contract with Barcelona ends next June and despite having Xavi’s confidence, the player has not yet renewed.

Xavi affirms that the player has shown him his desire to stay, but the statements to the media by his representative Moussa Sissoko seem to go in the opposite direction.

Asked about the reason for this apparent divergence, Xavi stated that “I also ask myself that question, it is a question for him”.

“The message is clear: either one solution or another, or renew or seek an exit solution for the player, we have no other”, said Xavi, who ruled out sending him to the stands as a measure of pressure for the remainder of the season.

“This situation is not considered. Either the player renews or we look for an exit solution for that player, there is no other way to contemplate, we are in a complicated situation, we have been very clear with Ousmane, especially me, “said Xavi.

According to the Spanish press, Dembélé and his agent would have put on the table exorbitant financial claims for a team that is still under financial stress.

“We have been a long time for the decision and we have reached a point where we have to decide. The player should also think a bit about the team, about the club”, considered Xavi. (D)