Barcelona ‘hope Xavi can influence Ousmane Dembele into signing new contract’ with new boss launching charm offensive in bid to keep France winger as his deal runs down
- Ousmane Dembele has yet to sign a new deal with his current club Barcelona
- The France international’s contract is up at the end of the season
- New head coach Xavi has already stated the 24-year-old’s importance
Barcelona are optimistic that the arrival of Xavi as head coach can help secure the future of Ousmane Dembele at the Nou Camp.
The France international has just over six months left on his contract and is free to speak to other clubs from January onwards with a view to moving on a free transfer in the summer.
The 24-year-old has been at the negotiating table with the Catalan club for some time, however no deal has been agreed.
Ousmane Dembele has yet to sign a new contract at Barcelona, despite attempts by the club
According to Mundo Deportivo, Dembele and his agent had been interested to see the size of signing-on bonuses that would be made available to the former Borussia Dortmund star should he agree a move away in January, but the arrival of Xavi at the Nou Camp has increased the chances of him staying put.
Xavi has already spoken of the importance he feels the Frenchman carries at the club, having talked about him in his opening press conference.
‘Dembele in his position can be the best player in the world. He has to be a world-class player,’ he said.
‘It’s important to have a winning mentality and consistency. We have to help him.’
Dembele has been plagued by injuries since moving to Barcelona in 2017.
He has played all of 25 minutes of football for the first team this season to date, coming on as a substitute during the Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev earlier this month.
He has overcome a knee injury but was left out of the 3-3 draw with Celta Vigo as a precaution after picking up a hamstring strain.
New head coach Xavi has spoken about Dembele’s importance to his Nou Camp plans
