Barcelona manager Xavi reportedly made a last-ditch effort to dissuade Ousmane Dembele from joining Paris Saint-Germain, referring to Neymar’s struggles at the French club.
Xavi’s attempt comes as PSG’s move for Dembele is close to completion, with the club triggering his €50 million release clause before it expired on August 1.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi had a crucial meeting with Dembele to discuss his future, where he urged the French forward to consider Neymar’s difficulties at PSG and highlighted the Brazilian’s past attempts to return to Barcelona.
Despite facing criticism over his form and injury record, Xavi has consistently supported Dembele and sees him as a vital part of his plans.
The coach remains hopeful that the intense discussion at the Thompson Hotel in Dallas will lead Dembele to reconsider his move to PSG.
While Dembele has already agreed to a five-year deal with PSG, he has requested that Barcelona engage in official talks with the Ligue 1 champions to expedite the transfer, indicating his determination to leave the Catalan club.