During the aftermath of Barcelona's 4-0 win over Real Madrid, winger Ousmane Dembele seems to have confirmed that he is, in fact, going to stay beyond his current contract.
A video posted on the web showed Barça players celebrating the all-important win amidst which a distant voice was heard that the fans transcripted as “Chicos me quedo!” This translates to, “Boys, I'm staying!” Interestingly enough, it was Ousmane Dembele who appeared to have whooped in the thick of immense roistering.
Once chronicled as nothing but an outcast, Dembele has gone on to defy odds in the midst of whacking criticism. For someone who was told to leave in January, a return of six assists and a goal in his last six outings represents a massive advancement, to say the very least.
There was a time that Dembele's contract extension was nothing but a far fetched dream. Fast forward to the date, however, and the parties involved are willing to listen to what they have to say.
On Dembele's front, they aren't really willing to accept what Barcelona have offered. But Spanish news outlet SPORT says they would be more than happy to lend an ear if the team comes up with a better deal.
As far as Barcelona are concerned, they have a similar approach. All they want is to meet Dembele's entourage and work on establishing a middle ground.
“If Ousmane Dembele continues to feel comfortable, we can meet his agents and he could stay,” Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste said.
It the parties are willing to meet, they might as well press the reset button and forget whatever happened in January. And if that's the case, a certain Adama Traore might have to move back to Wolves at the end of the season. But that's a different story altogether.