6 Footballers Who 'Betrayed' Their Club As Barcelona Accuse Dembele of Backstabbing

Xavi Hernandez feels betrayed by Ousmane Dembele's decision to leave Barcelona to join Paris Saint-Germain in the summer transfer window.

Dembele reportedly informed Barca of his intention to join PSG, with the Parisian giants also sending a formal letter to confirm their interest in the winger and a €50 million transfer claimed to be finalised before this weekend.

The Frenchman joined the Catalan club from Borussia Dortmund back in 2017 as Neymar Junior's replacement and has scored 40 goals and provided 43 assists in 185 matches.

However, at one point in time, Dembele's future at Barca looked bleak due to his persistent injury issues.

Xavi's appointment as manager midway through the 2021/22 season changed the situation, as the Spaniard showed his trust in the forward, per Barca Universal.

However, with Dembele on the verge of a move to Ligue 1, many have accused the Frenchman of being disloyal to La Blaugrana despite including him in their long-term plans.

With just over a month left in the summer transfer window, Sports Brief looks at six of the biggest 'betrayals' in football.

6. Sol Campbell

Tottenham Hotspur's captain, Campbell, was undoubtedly en route to achieving legendary status. Over the course of nine years at the club, he made an impressive 315 appearances, solidifying his reputation as one of the Premier League era's finest defenders.

He also achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first black captain to hoist a trophy at Wembley Stadium when he led Spurs to victory over Leicester City in the League Cup final during the 1998-99 season.

As the summer of 2001 arrived, Campbell's contract with the Londoners reached its end, and in an attempt to retain him, the club offered to make him their highest-paid footballer ever. Instead, he joined their city rivals, Arsenal.

Per the Athletic, this declaration surprised the footballing community, as there were no prior media speculations or leaks about such a move or any ongoing negotiations between the Gunners and the player.

5. Carlos Tevez

In 2007, Manchester United secured Tevez's services through a two-year loan deal, which included an option to purchase the player for £25.5 million. This agreement came after a prolonged saga over the ownership rights of the player, involving West Ham United and third-party owners.

Over the subsequent two years, the Argentine proved his worth by netting 33 goals for the Red Devils, playing a crucial role in their triumphs which included two League titles, an FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

Tevez then rejected the chance to extend his stay at Old Trafford, preferring to sign permanently for cross-town rivals, Manchester City in July 2009. His new club even took a dig with a 'Welcome to Manchester' sign.

The unsightliest aspect of this saga occurred when Tevez displayed a 'RIP Fergie' sign, given to him by a fan following the Citizens' FA Cup victory in 2011, taking a direct shot at the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.

4. Ashley Cole

Regarded as the premier left-back of the Premier League era, Cole - a product of the Arsenal academy - made his senior debut at 18. During his tenure with the Gunners, he played a pivotal role in two EPL titles and three FA Cups.

However, the situation took a turn for the worse when his contract renewal negotiations came around. Arsenal were prepared to offer him a mere £55,000 per week, while Chelsea sought to entice him with an offer of £90,000 per week to lure him to South-West London.

A contentious transfer saga ensued and eventually, on August 31, 2006, the Gunners reluctantly consented to a player exchange with cash involving William Gallas to allow their English star to depart.

3. Emmanuel Adebayor

In January 2006, Arsene Wenger acquired Adebayor from Monaco for a fee of £3 million. Despite not securing any silverware during his tenure, the Togolese star amassed goals and clinched the esteemed 'African Player of the Year' award in 2008 as he soared on a personal level.

However, on July 18, 2009, he was signed by Man City on a five-year contract for £25 million. Gunners fans were upset with his celebration against them, with the Togolese hitman running across the entire pitch length to rub it in.

Adebayor went on to represent London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, as well as Real Madrid.

2. Fernando Torres

In 2007, Liverpool secured the talents of the 23-year-old Spanish prodigy, Fernando Torres. During three-and-a-half years with the club, he proved his worth by netting an impressive 81 goals in just 142 games, quickly becoming a potential club legend.

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Then, on January 27, 2011, Chelsea made the Spaniard a tempting offer of £40mil. Although the Reds initially turned down this unsolicited approach for their prized striker, Torres decided to force the transfer by submitting a formal transfer request.

Eventually, on January 31 - amid the distressing scene of fans burning his number 9 Liverpool shirt - Torres completed his move to the Blues for a record-breaking British transfer fee at the time of £50mil.

1. Luis Figo

During Figo's tenure at Barcelona, he showcased his mesmerising skills, delighting fans across the globe while tallying 45 goals in 249 appearances.

Teaming up with football greats such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Patrick Kluivert, he played a pivotal role in Barca's success, securing two League Titles, two Copa Del Rey titles, a Spanish Cup, a European Super Cup, and a UEFA Cup-Winners Cup.

However, the new millennium marked a significant shift in the intense rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. In July 2000, Los Blancos triggered a €62mil clause in Figo's contract, luring him away from La Blaugrana.

This groundbreaking transfer fee set a new world record at the time, symbolising the initiation of the ambitious 'Galactico' project by Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez.

Every time Figo returned to Barcelona, the crowd expressed their disapproval with resounding boos, offensive banners, and even hurling objects onto the pitch. One unforgettable incident involved a pig's head being thrown in his direction when he approached the corner flag for a set piece.

Xavi disappointed with Dembele's decision

Club captain, Sergi Roberto, commented that while the Frenchman had decided what was best for him, it was hard not to be upset with his exit for Ligue 1.