Ousmane Dembele will be entering his seventh season as aBarcelonaplayer in 2023/24. The 26-year-old arrived at the club back in 2017, as a replacement for Neymar who had left for PSG in a world-record Ԁєɑł.
Barça spent over €100 million to sign Dembele but the winger has not had it easy during his time in Catalonia. Despite his obvious qualities, the Frenchman had been held back by injuries that have stopped him from reaching the heights expected.
But, over the past 18 months or so, things have improved significantly under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez. Dembele has grown into an important player atBarçaand was pivotal to their success last season.
And now, heading into the 2023/24 campaign,SPORTis ɾєρօɾτing that the 26-year-old attacker is a ‘top candidate’ for club captaincy.
With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets leaving the club, two of the four captaincy slots have become vacant atBarcelona, with Sergi Roberto and Marc-Andre ter Stegen occupying the other two positions.
With Xavi confirming a vote will be taken to decide the captains for the next season, Roberto and ter Stegen are expected to retain their roles.
It had been suggested that Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowskiwere frontrunners for the remaining two slotsin the leadership group.
But, Dembele has also emerged as a serious contєɴԀer due to his importance in the team, maturity, and drive to succeed at the club.
The 26-year-old is keen on continuing his partnership withBarçaand is looking to renew his contractdespite interest from PSG. Manager Xavi is pleased with his involvement and contributions and he is well-liked in the dressing room.
Being one of the most senior members in the current squad – only Roberto and ter Stegen have been at the club longer than him – Dembele is now seen as someone who can don the leadership responsibilities.
