The predicament surrounding Ousmane Dembélé (24) continues to irk FC Barcelona. His contract expires this summer, and the French international is still in negotiations for an extension, but demands specific terms the Blaugrana organization won’t accept. As previously reported, the former Rennes forward and his representatives are requesting €40 million, plus a €40 million signing bonus. These sums are far too exorbitant for Joan Laporta, the Catalan club’s chairman.
While the 2018 World Cup victor’s future dominates Spanish sports news, Xavi Hernandez, Barça’s coach, has addressed his striker directly before their Mallorca match, part of La Liga’s 19th gameday (live, Sunday, 9 p.m.). “I’m not disheartened. It’s a negotiation. Agents are tough negotiators. At Barça, we have a clear stance, discussions are ongoing, it’s not concluded. I’m hopeful and trust Ousmane will compromise. He’s received a magnificent offer,” he stated during a press briefing.
Another meeting between Ousmane Dembélé and Barça is scheduled
FC Barcelona seemingly planned a strategic move by finalizing Ferran Torres’s signing, yet Ousmane Dembélé remains valued by his manager, who has consistently advocated for his contract renewal. “I hope he stays because he’s a game-changer and could be the best in his position. It’s a golden opportunity for him, one he can’t miss (…), I explicitly told him we need him. He’s crucial to our team,” he emphasized.
“He lacks individual ambition, but he understands the sporting project is incredibly appealing. The financial aspect doesn’t concern me. He won’t encounter a superior sporting project elsewhere. That’s what I always inform players. He comprehends this, and the sporting project might outweigh the financial one, which is why I’m optimistic,” he added. The Catalan manager further mentioned that the Frenchman’s representatives are slated to meet with club management shortly. Perhaps, then, a final chance before a crucial meeting…
