Ousmane Dembele is being caught up in a power struggle at Barcelona.
Dembele, 25, a summer target for Chelsea, was on the brink of signing a new deal at the Nou Camp this week after his representatives held fresh talks with Barcelona this week. Barcelona coach Xavi is desperate to keep Dembele who is now a free agent after his previous contract at the club expired at the end of June.
But sporting director Mateu Alemany is championing Leeds winger Raphinha and has different views to Xavi and their differing views have effectively put BOTH deals on hold. Alemany wants to make his own mark with a big deal for Raphinha despite a potential £60m deal being involved - and the coach wanting them to keep Dembele.
It is highly unlikely that Barcelona could afford both wingers this summer and it seems likely it will have to be either or when it comes to Dembele and Raphinha. Alemany spoke out publicly against Dembele in January, suggesting the France star should leave and that very public clash may explain further why he is stalling.
Xavi has made it very clear he wants Dembele to stay, interrupted his holiday last month to try and persuade him to sign a new deal but talks have stalled. Now Barcelona could risk losing both players as Dembele has been left in limbo even though at the start of the week he was close to re-signing at the Nou Camp and has never been closer to agreeing new terms.
The biggest obstacle of all - a difference of opinions between coach and sporting director - is threatening Barcelona’s summer plans. It means Dembele could still leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer - just five years after joining Barcelona for £110m with Chelsea among the clubs chasing his signature.
The clock is ticking on Dembele’s future - but it could also open the door for Chelsea. Chelsea are one of several big clubs very keen on signing him, Thomas Tuchel worked with him at Borussia Dortmund and he would be an attractive free transfer. But there will be no shortage of offers.
