Transfer Centre

Joan Laporta: 'Ousmane Dembele is not for sale'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 06 January 2023

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insists that Ousmane Dembele is "not for sale", with the club planning contract talks with the forward.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said that Ousmane Dembele is "not for sale", with the club set to hold renewal talks with the attacker in the near future.

The 25-year-old has been an important player for the Catalan outfit this season, making 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing six goals and seven assists in the process.

There is currently speculation surrounding his future, though, as his current deal is due to expire in June 2024.

Dembele actually left Barcelona on a free transfer over the summer before re-joining the club two weeks later, penning a two-year contract with the Catalan outfit.

Paris Saint-Germain are said to be keen to explore the possibility of signing the France international in 2023, but Laporta has insisted that the forward is "not for sale".

Barcelona president Joan Laporta pictured on August 5, 2022 © Reuters

"He's not for sale. We will deal with his renewal when the time comes, he is one of the most important players in the team," Laporta told Que T'hi Jugues.

"He's one of the mainstays. Whenever he plays, he's always outstanding. Yesterday he scored a magnificent goal."

Dembele was on the scoresheet in Barcelona's 4-3 win over Intercity in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night, which saw Xavi's side book their spot in the last-16 stage of the competition.

However, the Catalan outfit needed an extra-time winner from Ansu Fati to overcome the third-tier side.

"I'm happy because Barca got through. The attitude of the players was positive and the match was entertaining. There were moments of suffering, but it was clear to me that we would end up winning," Laporta added.

Barcelona's Ansu Fati pictured during the warm up before the match on October 20 2022 © Reuters

Laporta has also revealed that the club are not expecting to be busy during the January transfer window.

"There will be no movement unless there is an unexpected opportunity. We did the necessary work in the summer and the coach is happy. We have the squad to have a chance of winning titles this season," said the Barcelona president.

The Catalan outfit are currently preparing for Sunday evening's La Liga contest with Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona will then switch their attention to the Spanish Super Cup, facing Real Betis in the semi-finals of the competition on January 11 ahead of a potential final against either Real Madrid or Valencia three days later.