Copa del Rey Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona, Xavi Returns Ultimatum Ousmane Dembele
MDP Live - Xavi Hernandez has lost patience with the drama of Ousmane Dembele's contract extension at Barcelona. He hopes Dembele will decide soon whether he wants to extend his contract or not.
He said Dembele only had two options, namely extending his contract or leaving in the January transfer window. Barcelona refuse to lose with Dembele.
"I don't want to offend anyone, the message is clear. He can extend his contract or he wants to leave," Xavi was quoted as saying by Marca.
"This is not an easy situation, but the interests of the club are everything. We are in a difficult situation. If he doesn't renew his contract, the club must find a solution."
Barcelona are certainly reluctant to release Ousmane Dembele for free next season. Moreover, this player was bought even in 2017.
Too long
Xavi said negotiations with Dembele had gone on too long. He said Barcelona sporting director Mateu Alemany had been talking to Dembele's agent for the past five months.
"We can't wait any longer. He told me he wanted to stay. Ask him why he hasn't extended his contract yet," he said.
Araujo contract
Xavi also hopes that Barcelona can tie Ronald Araujo to a new contract. He said the Uruguayan defender was an important part of Barcelona.
"Araujo's contract extension is a priority. For me he is important. He is an extraordinary defender and has winning character," he said.
"They have to reach an agreement quickly because he is a player for the future. It is important to have a player like him, he contributes a lot."