Xavi breaks silence on Ousmane Dembele contract negotiations amid transfer interest

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Barcelona manager Xavi has an almighty task on his hands as he looks to prevent his former club from slipping further down the La Liga table amidst their financial woes. The departures of Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann cut Barca’s wage bill significantly, and Xavi has had his say on which other players may be saying their goodbyes.

The Catalan giants parted ways with former Everton boss Ronald Koeman after a disappointing start to the new campaign.

Even when winning matches, Barca were only managing to grind out results by the skin of their teeth. They are currently sitting in seventh place in the league and 10 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.

The appointment of Xavi is expected to help the club return back to their former ways of playing attractive, possession-based football and dominating teams from start to finish – as they did when the 41-year-old captained the side.

An integral part of Xavi’s system is having quality on both wings, but he could be short of a forward if Ousmane Dembele does not extend his contract at the Camp Nou this season.

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The former Borussia Dortmund winger has just over six months left of his contract at Barca, with several Premier League clubs interested in signing the 24-year-old on a free transfer if the opportunity arises.

But Xavi has insisted that he will do all he can to ensure Dembele puts pen to paper on a new deal.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Barcelona’s game against Villarreal on Saturday, the Spaniard said: “I had an individual talk with him (Dembele) and I wanted to make my position clear, that I count on him for the project and not only for this season, I want to have him at the club for many years.

“I hope he renews, but it depends on him and the club.

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“I have spoken to him and he’s very happy here. We’re going to try and let’s see if we can renew [his contract] because, for me, he’s a key piece.”

Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United have all been linked with a move for Dembele, as well as Liverpool.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly a big admirer of the right winger despite his injury issues, which have significantly hindered Dembele’s progress at Barca.

The France international is yet to make a league appearance this season, although he did return to the pitch somewhat prematurely against Benfica on Tuesday night as Barca risked further injury in a bid to secure a much-needed three points against the Portuguese opposition.

Dembele replaced Yusuf Demir in the 66th minute and made an impact from the bench, though he wasn’t able to prevent the match from finishing 0-0.

“He has changed the dynamic of the game. He has generated chances. He made the difference,” Xavi said after full-time. “The shame is that a goal hasn’t come from his cross, shots.

“I have spoken with him, he is very happy here. Today he has taken a risk because he is not 100 per-cent.

“There was a risk that he could have a setback, and it is surprising. One has to speak with him and to see if he feels comfortable and happy.”

It remains to be seen whether Xavi can convince Dembele to extend his future at Barcelona or whether the player will be sold in January rather than leaving for free next summer.

But at least his injury troubles appear to be over for now.

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