Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona contract talks drag on with no end in sight. Fabrizio Romano reported on president Joan Laporta’s comments: “Ousmane Dembélé? They have our proposal and a date to decide. It’s an issue we’re stuck with, because the agent isn’t responding to the offer. Looks like they’re making a counter-proposal”. Laporta also added: “We need to get the economy back on track”.
Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona Contract Talks Drag Out Further
Long-Winded Process
Barcelona have long said Dembele would be given an extension as long as the economics of the deal were favourable to them, but time is running out for both sides to get the deal over the line. Barcelona are also in talks with Frenkie de Jong to keep him at the club amid Premier League interest. As Dembele and Barcelona contract talks continue, they will be keen to sort out the other decisions they need to make.
Xavi Wants Dembele to Stay
Barcelona manager Xavi also expressed his interest in keeping the French winger at the club. He has stated Dembele is a key player for Barcelona and will be a key piece of the future. The forward line for Barcelona has lots of options but Dembele seems to be a key part of the rebuild under Xavi.
Other Options If Barcelona Contract Doesn’t Work Out
Barcelona do have other options in their forward line. Memphis Depay, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Luuk de Jong make up the rest of the key forward options to have been given minutes this past season.
Barcelona signed Aubameyang and Depay to fill the gap in the striker position once Luis Suarez left. Ferran Torres was signed to help solidify the wide places. Ansu Fati is another player who can help solidify the wide places if Dembele does not sign. His injury record is worrisome but if he can stay fit for a whole season, Fati could replace Dembele in Xavi’s plans.
Main Photo
