Joan Laporta claims he still believes that Dembélé is better than Mbappe

'I still think that Dembélé is better than Mbappe'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that he still believes Ousmane Dembélé is a better player than Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe. The Spaniard previously compared the two players in December 2021, and he has reiterated his comments when asked about Dembélé's future at the club. Dembélé - who has entered into the final six months of his contract at the Nou Camp - is yet to agree terms on a new deal with Barcelona and appears to be surplus to requirements in Spain. During the club's press conference welcoming new signing Adama Traoré, Laporta was asked whether he still believes Démbelé is better than Mbappe, where he told reporters: "I still think that Dembélé is better than Mbappe." "I don't regret having said it because we are convinced of his talent. That's why we made him a very good renewal offer and that's how he let us know too." Laporta also discussed the Frenchman's career with the Catalan giants, admitting that he has struggled with unfortunate 'circumstances' such as injuries. Despite Laporta seemingly wanting to move the winger on in the January transfer window, the Daily Mail report that the Barcelona president was 'eager' to keep hold of the player and that the club are 'excited' about the prospect of 'showing off his talent' over the coming seasons.

He added: "Dembélé has been accompanied by circumstances that have not been the best.

"He has had many injuries, he is a player who cost a lot of money and we all hoped to see him for many years.

"We have always wanted to understand and help him and from the club we wanted to look forward and show his talent."

His comments are somewhat surprising, especially considering that he recently slammed Dembélé's decision to remain at the club until the end of the season.

Related links:

• Joan Laporta slams Ousmane Dembélé’s decision to stay at Barcelona
• Ousmane Dembele’s agent inadvertently shows phone call from PSG chief Leonardo
• Barcelona willing to take €100m loss on Ousmane Dembélé, according to reports