Former FC Barcelona sensation Ousmane Dembele is reportedly experiencing a sense of longing for his former club, with regrets surfacing over his recent move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), as per reports from El Nacional.
Dembele’s decision to depart for the French capital came as a shock to Barcelona fans, leaving head coach Xavi Hernandez feeling “disappointed” by the unexpected move.
Despite a relatively modest €50 million ($53.6 million) release clause, PSG agreed to pay slightly more to acquire the 26-year-old. This stands in stark contrast to the €105 million ($112.7 million) plus €40 million ($43 million) in add-ons that Barcelona paid to Borussia Dortmund for Dembele’s services in 2017. Follow your favourite football team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.
Adding to the sting, Barcelona will have to share the transfer fee with Dembele and his agent, Moussa Sissoko.
As Dembele adjusts to life in Ligue 1, his performance has yet to yield a goal or assist in 194 minutes across three appearances. El Nacional reports that he is yearning for his days in Catalonia, where he was an undisputed starter on the right wing under Xavi, often preferred over Raphinha.
Had Dembele chosen to stay, it’s unlikely that 16-year-old La Masia talent Lamine Yamal would have seen as much action in La Liga matches in recent weeks.
However, at PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, Dembele faces fierce competition from players like Goncalo Ramos, Kang-In Lee, Marco Asensio, Bradley Barcola, and Randal Kolo Muani.
Should he fail to impress in training, Dembele may find himself on the bench under the watchful eye of the authoritative Luis Enrique, while others secure valuable playing time.
Additionally, Dembele’s role at PSG differs significantly from the freedom he enjoyed at Barcelona. Previously, he had the liberty to take shots at will, but at PSG, he, like others sharing the pitch with Ballon d’Or-hopeful Kylian Mbappe, must serve the team’s star.
Having penned a five-year contract with PSG, with an annual salary reported to be €20 million ($21.5 million), Dembele’s move appears irreversible.
While he may eventually adapt well to life at the French club, Dembele may also find himself reflecting on what could have been, representing the club where he clinched three La Liga titles. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Nextbet Sports.
