The Rise and Fall of Ousmane Dembélé: From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain

Wednesday April 10, 2024. The Parc des Princes is awaiting a reaction from Paris Saint-Germain, trailing since the 37th minute and Raphinha’s opening goal. Long beloved child of the Barcelona institution, Ousmane Dembélé, often criticized for his inability to find the fault in the last meters, lights up with the left (his good foot, it seems) and raises the stands. 1-1, Paris is back on track, Dembélé can celebrate. Transfixed with happiness, his gestures vindictive, the native of Vernon seems to erase with a thick line a contrasting passage in Catalonia.

It’s the story of a transfer, round and heavy like the money that FC Barcelona had to put on the table to afford the services of the French international. Revelation of the 2016-2017 season in the Bundesliga, under the tunic of Borussia Dortmund, the former Rennais shines in the middle of the gaping spaces unraveled on the German meadows. At the conclusion, at the pass, Dembélé summons all the ingredients to dress in the costume of “successor” of Neymar, who left for PSG, which Barça is frantically looking for.

Often absent, always supported

140 million euros later (bonus included), the Frenchman arrives at Culés with the most expensive rookie label in the club’s history. A hell of a weight to bear for the person concerned, who refutes all comparisons with his glorious predecessor. After an interesting start during the derby against Espanyol (an assist), the Frenchman fell from a height when he injured himself, a week later, while attempting a backheel.

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A first long injury which will set the tone for an adventure lasting almost six years punctuated by recurring visits to the infirmary. The statistical record is also unflattering, with “only” 185 matches played under the Blaugrana tunic, for 40 goals and 42 assists. Mocked for his lack of realism in key moments, such as during the Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Camp Nou (3-0, 0-4, in 2019), Dembélé nevertheless nourished a certain rating of affection among Catalan supporters.

Xavi showered him with unfailing affection

Not everything was rosy in the telluric environment of Barça either, where the slightest crevice serves as grist for a press that is never short of controversies. Pinned down for an alleged questionable lifestyle by these local media, the Frenchman received several fines for lack of punctuality in training. Dismal echoes which did not taint his popularity in the stands of the Camp Nou, under the spell of its arabesques. A unique player, capable of breaking the deadlock in any situation, Dembélé has long held out hope that his immense potential will fully blossom.

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The arrival of Xavi could have changed everything. A resolute fan of the winger, the “Chameleon” has always had thoughtful words for his player. Determined to support the Frenchman’s maturity, Xavi did not hesitate to give more responsibilities to the 2018 world champion. For promising results, particularly at the start of the 2022-2023 vintage, his last in the Catalan jersey. We must then put ourselves in the place of the former conductor of La Roja when he learned that his jewel with “qualities rarely seen elsewhere” was going to leave the ship. Obviously, the pill did not pass. “Ousmane is a boy who helped us, we gave him a lot of affection, a lot of importance,” Xavi recalled last summer before the resumption of La Liga.

A departure and a celebration that does not pass

“It’s a big disappointment that he decided to leave when he was happy here,” insisted the coach. “We had bet on him. For me, it’s a big disappointment on a personal level.” Before concluding, looking sorry. “We can’t compete with PSG’s offer. I didn’t expect it, but whoever doesn’t want to stay at Barca has to leave.” A lover of the club culé, for which he has never hidden his attraction, Dembélé had to juggle with an entourage eager to cover him with priming, especially of an economic nature.

The result of this quest for funds: a bitter end. An extension which was long overdue in 2022, for a shady exit a year later, allowed by a special clause of 100 million divided by two during the summer. Exit the “club of (s)es dreams,” the mentor who dared to elevate the Frenchman “to the level of the best Neymar.” In Paris, Dembélé plays a lot (by his standards) – 35 matches, 2 goals – and has still not been injured. Against the Blaugrana, during the first quarter, he even allowed himself to celebrate cheerfully. A gesture that does not pass for some in Catalonia, where the French international can expect a warm welcome. It’s a hackneyed maxim that love stories often end badly.

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2024-04-16 17:06:00
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