Transfer Centre

Xavi 'at odds with Barca chief over Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha futures'

By Matthew Tranter, Reporter | 09 July 2022

Xavi 'at odds with Barca chief over Dembele, Raphinha futures'

Barcelona boss Xavi is at odds with club chief Mateu Alemany over the futures of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha this summer, according to a report.

Barcelona boss Xavi has been at odds with club chief Mateu Alemany over the futures of Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha this summer, according to a report.

Dembele is effectively a free agent as things stand following the expiration of his contract with the Catalan side on June 30, although talks over a new deal have been continuing for some time.

The Frenchman has looked set for a move away from the Camp Nou on several occasions, with Chelsea amongst the sides being keen on securing his services ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Meanwhile, Leeds United winger Raphinha is amongst the players being targeted by Barcelona during the transfer window, and it has been reported that the La Liga outfit have lodged a final bid of £46.6m for the Brazilian.

However, with both players occupying the same position, the Mirror are reporting that the potential deals for both are causing conflict within the Barcelona ranks.

The report suggests that Xavi is extremely keen on keeping Dembele at the club this summer, whilst sporting director Alemany wishes to make a statement signing in the form of Raphinha.

As a result, both deals have effectively been put on hold as things stand according to the report, with discussions taking place to find a solution to the disagreements.

Back in January, Alemany spoke out publicly against Dembele and was one of the key factors in trying to force a sale of the 25-year-old back in the winter transfer window, before the winger regained fitness and form in the latter stages of the 2021-22 campaign.