"It seems obvious to us that the player does not want to continue at Barcelona and get involved in Barca's future project. Under these conditions, we have therefore told him and his agents that he must leave immediately," said Mateu Alemany to the media of the Catalan club.

"We started discussions around July. During these six, seven months, we discussed. Barça made several offers, so that the player could continue with us. These offers were systematically rejected by his agents", developed the leader.

"We hope to transfer him before January 31", before the end of the winter transfer window, he assured.

Consequently, the 2018 world champion was not retained in the group which must face Athletic Bilbao on Thursday (9:30 p.m.), in the round of 16 of the King's Cup.

"We can't wait any longer"

Ousmane Dembélé arrived at FC Barcelona in the summer of 2017 for around 135 million euros, becoming at the time the most expensive recruit in the history of the Blaugrana club, which saw him as Neymar's successor.

Long disturbed by leg injuries, the 2018 world champion (27 caps) took time to make his mark in Catalonia.

He has nevertheless established himself as a central part of new coach Xavi's system of play since his return from injury at the end of November.

In six La Liga games this season, he has provided two assists (for no goals).

Ousmane Dembélé at home with Barcelona against Elche in La Liga on December 18, 2021 Pau BARRENA AFP / Archives

Xavi acknowledged on Wednesday a "complicated and difficult" situation.

"It's not easy, but Mateu Alemany has been negotiating with his representative for five months, and we can't wait any longer: either he extends or we'll have to find a solution for the player," he said.

At 24, the former Rennes and Dortmund retains a good rating on the player market.

The winter transfer window represents the last opportunity for Barça to sell him, while reducing his wage bill.

If a transfer is not concluded by January 31, the Blaugrana club, weighed down by a debt of more than one billion euros, will have to resign itself to seeing him leave without consideration this summer – except in the unlikely agreement to extend his contract.

© 2022 AFP