The future of Ousmane Dembele remains unknown, as Barcelona's hierarchy is divided between those who advocate for him to remain and those who would be happy to sell him.
With more than two weeks still to go before the transfer market closes, nobody dares predict how the soap opera will end.
One thing is clear - the game against Sevilla and his goal on Sunday are a big boost to those want him to be given a fresh opportunity.
Dembele arrived at Barcelona quickly in a whirlwind last summer when the hierarchy had already ruled out a move for him.
The surprising exit of Neymar caused the club to rethink their plans and splash out more than they wanted to for the Frenchman.
Before the departure of the Brazilian, they refused to pay 90 million euros and in the end, they had to settle for a deal worth 105m euros plus 40m euros in bonuses, half of which are very easy to obtain.
That said, his performances last season were disappointing.
Injuries did provide him with a reasonable excuse, but his adaptation to life at the Camp Nou was disastrous, which prevented his improvement on the field.
He didn't take care of his diet nor his schedules and in the dressing room he was known to turn up late for training.
Those issues, among others, were all analysed closely by the club at the end of the season, particularly his performances on the field and behaviour off it.
At the end of last season, they began to consider a possible sale, but his World Cup call-up for France renewed optimism around him at the Blaugrana.
It was viewed as being a good opportunity for the player to take flight and reach his potential again.
But in Russia, despite Les Bleus lifting the trophy, Dembele didn't quite deliver what was expected of him and barely played.
Barcelona's board acted quickly and surprisingly made the move to sign Malcom, who would provide direct competition for Dembele.
At that same time, they put the Frenchman on the market by gauging interest in him from clubs across the continent.
It will not be an easy sale because the club are unwilling to take a big hit on the player.
Given how much he cost the Azulgrana, anything less than 80m euros would make it impossible to consider a sale and nobody has offered that money in any case.
The closure of the English market is a setback because the Premier League is where the most money is.
Paris Saint-Germain, despite some things that are said, are not in the market for him as they already have Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria in their ranks.
They are more than covered in the wider areas to consider making such a high profile investment.
All that said, his performance on Sunday brought great joy to the club.
He integrated into the game well and, above all, was decisive with his stunning winning goal.
As things stand, those who do not want to sell him are winning the battle.
But there are two weeks left of the window and things could change.
Elednika
93
Dembele shouldn't be for sale at any price, that would be the biggest blonder Barca will made if they do. They have to consider first, if Messi is not on the field who can still dazzle the ball in the team presently not to talk of if he retires in the next five years (max) who can be his heir. I think they should examine the team closely, to me what i think they don't pay most attention to is their strikers. For instance Suarez have degenerated to a great extent and they are there complaining about Dembele. And what causes so much propaganda concerning this lad was the fee used to acquire him, had it been the fee was just (may be 50m euro), they won't even device selling him. I think they can play their 4-3-3 formation like this and be so dangerous: (check below). And the sub should always include: Cillessen, Lenglet, Arthur, Malcom, Luis Suarez and others. Malcom, L' Suarez, Arthur/Denis/ whosoever should be always there to replace Coutinho, Dembele, and Aturo Vidal in almost every game. Though substitution should be based on each player's performance anyway. And with all these they are good to go...
Đaiveed ♥
87
why are Barça neglecting Dembele?? he's a very talented and creative player he performed well last night, and his style of play was quite eye catching..... He's the future of Barça he would be useful to them in the future It's best he stays at the club
Abshir47
86
Where Is Macolm
GabrielDesmond
60
I quiet remember Dembele himself said he is staying and even said he is focused on winning the just ended Spanish Super Cup. I don't think he wants to leave and even his celebration for his goal yesterday in the Spanish Super Cup shows that he wants to stay to prove his haters wrong no doubt . He even laugh when he was asked about supposed Arsenal move...Visca Dembele ,Visca Barça y Visca Catalunya!
zeoabilmyz
53
Barcelona should not make mistake or be deceived into selling Dembele , even at any price , the player is just busting with talents yet to be tapped , his thunderstorm goal against Seville is just a small testament to what he can do in the future.
sodblnopr
37
The players should give him a boost of trust by giving him the ball more at some occasions, that’s all he needs he seems a bit uncertain at times. I see a special role for Messi here, be a mentor for Dembele than barca will get the best out of him
EdwardC20
33
Dembele is at the best club available to him at the current time! he has started the season with an incredible goal to ensure Barca won the Trophy! He needs to prove himself just a couple more times in games, which shouldn't be hard for him knowing his skill set! why would he walk away from such an amazing opportunity. He young and all he needs to do is simply prove himself a couple more times and he will be in the starting 11 and will build one incredible Career from there with Players such as Leo for an inspiration 👍🏽