Madrid, Ousmane Dembele has been left out of Barcelona’s squad for their Copa del Rey last-16 tie against Athletic Club at San Mames today.

Xavi Hernandez hinted during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference that the Frenchman could leave Barcelona in January, and sporting director Mateu Alemany came out today and discussed the Dembele situation before stating that he needs to find a new club before January 31, the Spanish MARCA reported.

“We started talks with Dembele’s agents last July. Six or seven months have passed since then, during which we have been in dialogue and during which Barcelona have made different offers,” said Alemany.

“We have tried to find a way for the player to stay with us. Offers that have been systematically rejected by his representatives.

“Now, eleven days before the end of the last period of his contract, the club understand that the player does not want to renew and that he is not committed to Barcelona’s future project.

“He and his representatives have been informed that he has to leave the club and that he has to look for a transfer before January 31.”

Source: Oman News Agency