Despite rumored interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Ousmane Dembélé says he wants to stay with his club in Barcelona.
Ousmane Dembélé has seen quite the resurgence in recent months. From seemingly being a persona non grata in Catalonia before the summer transfer window, he renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2024. The Frenchman has since seen a rise in positive involvement with his teammates, and has become one of the more influential and prominent figures in the Catalan roster.
In the 23 games he has featured this season, he has 13 direct goal involvements, scoring 6 goals and assisting another 7.
His fine form is part of the reason for why he has seen his name linked with a move back to his native France, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested. In an interview with Cadena SER, Barcelona’s club president, Joan Laporta, has categorically shot down any rumors of the Frenchman leaving.
“We will discuss Dembélé’s new [renewal] deal in the coming months. If Paris Saint-Germain come knocking, we’ll tell them he is not for sale. He is one of our most important players,” Laporta told Cadena SER on Que T’hi Jugues, before praising Dembélé’s ‘extraordinary pace’ and ability on the ball.
“He won’t leave for 70 million euros or for any other price. He is not for sale,” Laporta continued.
Since, Dembélé has told Belgian news outlet Eleven that he shares Laporta’s view, and is very happy with life in Barcelona.
“I signed a new contract with Barça four months ago, and I’m happy here. I want to continue to work hard and improve in Barcelona,” Dembélé told Eleven.
“The coach trusts me, and the board trusts me too. I’m happy with the trust [I feel towards me] and the club’s environment,” the forward continued.
The Frenchman joined the Catalan outfit from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund back in August 2017 for 140 million euros.
