Paris Saint-Germain football advisor Luis Campos has explained why the French champions decided against pursuing Ousmane Dembele over the summer.
The 25-year-old was unable to agree a new deal with Barcelona and became a free agent when his contract with the Catalan giants expired at the end of June.
At that point, Chelsea and PSG were both heavily linked with the France international, but he ultimately agreed a two-year contract to return to Xavi's side in the middle of July.
Dembele has been in strong form for his La Liga club this term, making eight appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and four assists in the process.
Campos has revealed his admiration for the Frenchman but admitted that he would not have fit into the Ligue 1 side's system, with the team not playing with wingers.
© Reuters
"I like Dembele a lot. His favourite position is on the left, and with that, we break our puzzle. Our attacking triangle is upside down," Campos told RMC Sport.
"[Kylian] Mbappe is at the high point, and the other two are in support. We don't play with wingers. It was perhaps a mistake of the past to take great players who play in the same position."
Dembele has scored 34 goals and registered 38 assists in 158 appearances for Barcelona and has been a key player for Xavi's side this term despite the competition for spots in the final third of the field.
"Today is a very happy day," the forward said in a statement when his return to the club was confirmed. "I've had difficult years because of injuries but this is another time. My first option was to stay. It [negotiations] has been long but we are all happy and I can't wait for the season to start to help.
"The aim is to win titles, the dream is the Champions League and I'm going to give my all to win this title. I'm going to work hard and I hope it's a very good year for me and for Barca."
© Reuters
Campos also insisted that Mbappe did not ask for Neymar to be sold over the summer amid claims that the Frenchman had made the demand to the board.
"Neymar has never been on the transfer list. It is false that Mbappe asked for his departure. Neymar is a very good player. We have him, as with [Lionel] Messi and Mbappe," Campos added.
"Last season was difficult for him, with injuries. But now he is fine. He is always on time, he hasn't missed any training sessions, except one with a bit of pain.
"Neymar is involved in the project of the team and the club. He is a responsible boy. The whistles from the fans in the stands a few months ago? I believe that time will heal all wounds."
PSG have won each of their last five matches in all competitions, including a 3-1 victory over Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League last time out.
Matt Law
