With Ousmane Dembele edging closer to an exit from Barcelona, a report from journalist David Bernabeu Reverter has given an insight into manager Xavi Hernandez’s feelings about the whole situation.
Dembele informed Barcelona of his intention to join PSG and the Parisian giants also sent a formal letter to confirm their interest in the winger, and a €50 million transfer is set to be completed before this weekend.
Xavi disappointed with Dembele over PSG move
It is no secret that Xavi is a huge admirer of Dembele and has been his biggest supporter especially when he came under fire last year during the contract saga.
The manager has always backed the 26-year-old winger and managed to extract his best football over the past 18 months or so.
So, it does not come as a surprise that Xavi has been left extremely disappointed with Dembele’s decision to leave Barça for PSG.
Indeed, the report from David Bernabeu Reverter states that having invested so much in improving his game and changing his perception among the fans, Xavi feels great disappointment that his star winger has opted to leave.
The manager even tried to hold late talks with Dembele to convince him to stay, even citing the example of Neymar’s struggles in Paris.
But it did not work and Dembele is on his way to PSG, while Xavi is left with a sense of betrayal.
Replacements being lined up
With Dembele’s departure all but given, Barcelona have already begun to look at possible replacements.
Bernardo Silva of Manchester City remains their main target to reinforce the squad, but the La Liga champions are also looking at other options, more natural wingers, to fill the position.
Most recently, the Catalan giants are reported to be following Jeremy Doku of Rennes, who also happens to be a target for Manchester City, interestingly.
