Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has said that he does not know where Ousmane Dembele’s future lies.
The Frenchman has recently been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
RMC reports that PSG are set to trigger the €50 million release clause in Dembele’s contract.
The Ligue1 giants want to sign the Barcelona forward as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe who they must sell this summer or allow him walk out for free next year.
Dembele’s contract with Barcelona runs out in 2024 and his release clause would rise to €100 million next month.
Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-0 in a friendly on Sunday morning.
After the game, Xavi was asked about Dembele’s future and he admitted that he is unsure of what could transpire in the transfer market.
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“We do not know what will happen with the [transfer] market.
“I see him happy at Barca, but in the end the decision is the player’s. If there is anything [happening], he will let us know,” he said.
Earlier, Paris Saint-Germain could begin a press to pursue Ousmane Dembélé in the next few hours. The 26-year-old’s release clause is at €50 million until July 31. As a result, the capital club can pay an economical price for the talented Frenchman.
As rumors continue to swirl, reporters will eventually begin to ask questions. Manager Xavi Hernandez was asked about speculation after FC Barcelona’s 3-0 friendly win over Real Madrid at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
“We will see, in the transfer window, you never know,” Xavi told reporters (h/t Fabrizio Romano). “I see Ousmane happy at Barça… then if there’s something, he’ll tell us. For now, he’s here and he’s happy.”
Xavi on Dembélé and PSG: “We will see, in the transfer window you never know”.
“I see Ousmane happy at Barça… then if there’s something, he’ll tell us. For now he’s here and he’s happy”. 🔵🔴🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/mZ8bkga9df
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2023
PSG’s interest in Dembélé intensified after their €30 million bid for Olympique Lyonnais’ Bradley Barcola was rejected. The rejection seemingly prompted the Parisian club to pursue alternative options, with Dembélé emerging as a prime target.
Furthermore, the deal structure for Dembélé’s potential transfer is equally intriguing. If PSG successfully activates the release clause, the player would be entitled to 50 percent of the payment, amounting to €25 million. The remaining 50 percent, also €25 million, would be paid to Barcelona.
These new few hours will be filled with information to see whether PSG successfully pulls off this transfer.
