At the end of July, both Mundo Deportivo and Sport claimed that Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were at "war" over Ousmane Dembele - which felt a little strange, given the Frenchman is not a player worth fighting for, at least not from the Blaugrana's perspective.
PSG's interest was understandable, of course. Dembele is an immensely talented footballer. If Luis Enrique can get him fully fit and firing, the 26-year-old still has it inside him to become a genuine superstar. Xavi knows that too, and is said to have pleaded with the player to "think of Neymar", who has long regretted quitting Camp Nou for Parc des Princes in 2017.
"I am a little disappointed with Dembele," the Barca boss admitted after the friendly with AC Milan. "He has decided to go to PSG. There is nothing we can do."
Some Blaugrana fans have been left enraged by Dembele's perceived betrayal - and that makes sense too, given the majority of them stood by the winger throughout a desperately trying six-year spell at Camp Nou. The mere fact he'd already agreed personal terms with PSG weeks ago seriously stung - even if allegations of a lack of loyalty are arguably a little harsh in light of reports that Barcelona unsettled Dembele by trying to use him as a makeweight in their efforts to sign Kylian Mbappe.
However, fury should soon give way to relief - because Barca really are well rid of one of the most frustrating figures in football.
