MADRID (AFP) – Ferran Torres joked on Wednesday he would kidnap Ousmane Dembele to make the winger stay at Barcelona.
Dembele is expected to leave for free at the end of the season after he decided against renewing his contract in January.
But the Frenchman has been revitalised by Xavi Hernandez and his agent reportedly met with
Barca’s sporting director Mateu Alemany this week, raising hopes again that an agreement might be reached.
“I would kidnap him to make him stay,” said Torres in a press conference ahead of the first leg of Barcelona’s Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
“He is a difference-maker. He is one of the best players in the world and this is a great club to be at. The decision is his and I wish him the best.”
Barcelona told Dembele in January he either had to extend his contract or leave but Xavi has decided to make use of the 24-year-old in the team’s pursuit of La Liga’s top four.
Dembele’s excellent form has been integral to Barca’s surge up the table. The team sit second, with Champions League qualification all-but secured.
