Barcelona realised weeks ago that Ousmane Dembele was unlikely to renew and have been looking into possible solutions. They know he won't accept a transfer this month because it could affect the commission he and his agents will get for moving for free, so they are exploring loan options until the summer.
With 11 days left in the transfer window, Barça have now told Dembele he must leave the club. They are ready to speak with his camp to facilitate an exit. They would let him leave on loan in a move that could be favourable for all parties. But it remains to bee seen if the player will go or decide to stay and wait until the summer.
Firstly, though, he should finalise a move for the summer and then his next club can talk with Barça about signing him for free in January in a way that doesn't damage the player's earning capacity and signing bonuses. In favour of this option is the fact that Dembele wants to play and he knows that won't be possible at Barça in a World Cup year.
However, Barça are also looking at loans. They are seeing if there are clubs willing to take him on for six months and pay his salary. There are two options, one in Germany, but the player and his agent would have to back the deal. What's clear is that anything could happen between now and the end of the month.