FC Barcelona’s head coach Xavi has shown his displeasure about Ousmane Dembele’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after Barcelona’s 1-0 win against AC Milan in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Several reports suggested the French forward has been in talks with the PSG since Sunday.
Barcelona and PSG remain in talks over the breakdown of the fee, which is expected to be around €50 million ($54.9m), but the transfer is likely to be completed in the coming days. He recently scored the opening goal in a 3-0 Clasico victory against Real Madrid – to Vegas with the 32-man squad currently in the U.S. on a pre-season tour that concluded at Allegiant Stadium.
I am a little disappointed: Xavi
Xavi told Catalan television after his side’s 1-0 friendly win over AC Milan in Las Vegas on Tuesday, “I am a little disappointed.” “He has told us that he wants to go PSG. We tried to keep him, but there is nothing we can do. He told me he has already spoken to [PSG coach] Luis Enrique and [PSG president Nasser] Al-Khelaifi.
“There was no way to convince him, this is the final decision and it is his personal decision. PSG have made an offer that is completely out of the market. We cannot compete with it.” “It’s a shame, we had taken great care of him to ensure he was happy here.” “At the end of the day, it’s a scenario we have prepared for and now we have to strengthen because it weakens us.”
Dembele joined Barcelona in 2017 when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund. Over six seasons with the Catalan club, he made a total of 203 appearances and scored 46 goals. Despite suffering a thigh injury during the 2022/23 season, which forced him to miss a large part of the second half of the campaign, Dembele still managed to finish the season with eight goals and nine assists. In the previous season, he had an excellent campaign, providing 13 assists and forming a great partnership with Aubameyang.
Here’s how fans reacted
Xavi's narrative of 'taking care of him' is embarrassing.
There are no friends in this industry.
Footballers tend to choose destinations where they believe they have the best shot at victory and financial gain. It's a combination of these two factors, and PSG excels in both…
— Andrew STEPPER (@AndrewDInvestor) August 2, 2023
He is looking for someone that will sacrifice his finances for Barcelona.
When Xavi was a player, didn't he take his full wages and sign on fees?
He wants Dembele to remain on reduced wages and even that is owed.
— Boma (@Boma_Wills) August 2, 2023
He should let him go
— ?????? ? (@SympllyTHEO) August 2, 2023
Just sell him and reinvest money in someone who want to be there
— Milos NS (@MilosNSNS) August 2, 2023
We'll survive.
God dey ?
— ? Chris ? (@ChrisIdogar) August 2, 2023
He can't even stay fit,they should be happy he's leaving.
— Rossie (@Rossievibez) August 2, 2023
I don’t think Dembele can get a very supportive coach like Xavi again.
— Toyor (@toyor_pr) August 2, 2023
Xavi was talking about his hospital bills Barca spent on ..
— Abdul Hakim?? (@hakimgh450) August 2, 2023
