‘We want dedicated players,’ Barcelona’s director of football says, adding that Dembele must leave’

Mateu Alemany, the club’s sporting director, criticized Dembele for his lack of devotion to the club and stated that conversations with his representation began in July.

‘We understand Dembele’s choice not to remain (at Barça), and we have expressed our decision not to include him.’ As Alemany stated.

‘We want players who are devoted to the club, and we have informed him that he must leave the club immediately.

‘We began discussions in July. We made many proposals, all of which were refused. He has been informed that he must resign from the club due to his lack of commitment to the initiative.’

“The fact is that we began discussions with Ousmane Dembélé’s agents five months ago. Throughout this entire period, there has been regular communication in which the club has expressed its desire for him to remain.”

“He has had a variety of offers. We have been diligent on this matter. We have done enough to compel the player to ponder his options for the future.”

Ousmane Dembélé has been left out of today’s team owing to the continuing uncertainty surrounding his contract extension.

Dembele was advised on Wednesday by manager Xavi that he would be forced to leave Camp Nou unless a new deal was completed.

The winger is unwilling to sign new terms, Mateu Alemany, the club’s director of football, stated on Thursday, clearing the way for the Frenchman to go.

What is Dembele’s next move?

Dembele has spent the previous four and a half seasons at Camp Nou, having moved from Borussia Dortmund for €145 million (£121 million/$164 million) in 2017. However, his contract expires in six months.

Barca have been attempting to lock down the 24-year-old for several months without success, with Xavi informing the winger that he was running out of time to make a choice.

“The message is unmistakable. Ousmane Dembele’s contract must be renewed or he will be sold in January. There is no other option,” Xavi stated during a Wednesday press conference.

“It is not planned for him to remain in the stands. I’ve been extremely straightforward with Ousmane.”

Dembele looks to have made it obvious that he will not renew his contract with Barcelona, and the club will actively seek to sell him this month in order to recuperate a transfer fee.

Dembele has participated in 11 games in all competitions thus far in 2021-22, scoring one goal and providing two assists, consistent with his lack of consistency during his time at Barcelona, when he frequently struggled with form and health.