In the 2016/17 season, Ousmane Dembélé and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang won the DFB-Pokal with Borussia Dortmund. A good four and a half years later, the former BVB stars are under contract with FC Barcelona at least until the end of the season. If Aubameyang has his way, that may be the case even longer.
In the 4-1 win in Valencia last weekend, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembélé whirled like they did in BVB’s best times. The former scored three goals, the latter contributed an assist to the overall success.
“It’s very special because we had an incredible year in Dortmund and he’s an incredible player,” said Aubameyang to “Mundo Deportivo” after the game, referring to his French team-mate, adding: “Ousmane is one of the best on the ball.”
But despite the good mood, the interaction between Aubameyang and Dembélé is only temporary. Because the winger’s contract expires in the summer. Most recently, the 24-year-old and the club could not agree on an extension, Dembélé was originally supposed to be sold in winter. But things turned out differently.
Special praise for Aubameyang and Dembélé
Now Aubameyang is even committed to ensuring that the right winger stays with the Catalans beyond the summer. “I’m really happy he’s here,” continued the striker, revealing: “When I came I said to him: ‘Brother, you should stay at Barca’.”
Despite all failed efforts to get rid of Dembélé in January, Barcelona coach Xavi now seems to have made peace with the attacking man’s whereabouts. “He will certainly help us until the end of the season because he is a great player,” the coach recently praised the Frenchman.
And there were also warm words for Aubameyang after the clear success at FC Valencia. “He’s scored goals all his career. He’s good in the box. He’s experienced, intelligent, humble and positive. I’m very happy with him. The goals will give him confidence,” said the coach.