Barcelona Sends Clear Message To Ousmane Dembele Over Stalling Contract Talks

Barcelona have sent a very clear message to Ousmane Dembele regarding the ongoing discussions over a potential new contract. 

Reports in Spain have stated that the Catalan club will not be improving their offer currently on the table for Dembele. The winger is now officially a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired on Friday morning. 

With the club looking to come out of their economic troubles as soon as possible, it is believed that Dembele would have to take a huge pay cut in order to prolong his career with the La Liga side. 

Ousmane Dembele is a free agent. Offer from Barcelona remains his only formal option. Dembele wants double the €6 million base salary Barca offered. Dembele still hasn't rejected Barca but offer may be withdrawn soon should he fail to respond. Board divided on approach now.

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 1, 2022

According to Spanish news outlet SPORT, the current offer on the table for Dembele would see the Frenchman take a massive 40% pay cut, it is believed that the pay cut had to be offered in order for the club to stay within the La Liga’s salary cap limits. The Catalan club have made it clear that it is the best terms they can offer and will not be raising the offer any further. 

Dembele’s agent, Moussa Sissoko travelled to Barcelona on Monday for a meeting with club officials in order to discuss a potential contract extension after the previous two offers were rejected by the player. 

Ousmane Dembélé’s agent Moussa Sissoko is in Barcelona. Key week to decide Ousmane’s future after many rumours. It will be discussed soon. 🚨🇫🇷 #FCB

Sissoko’s in Barcelona today as per @gerardromero, talks will enter into key stages soon.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2022

Sissoko travelled to Spain after Barcelona manager Xavi made it clear that he wants an agreement to be reached between club and player, but Sissoko said that under the current terms, a deal will not be able to materialise. 

Xavi cut short his holidays in order to be present at the meeting, the 2010 World Cup winner sees Dembele as his main option for the right wing position. 

Despite the face to face meeting, it has been reported that no progress were made, with Barcelona reluctant to offer what Dembele wants due to the ongoing financial issues at the club. However, the Nou Camp club insisted that they are not ending talks as they want to keep him at the club. 

🚨🚨| FC Barcelona ideally want BOTH Dembélé & Raphinha in the squad for next season.@JacobsBen [🎖️]

— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 1, 2022

Meanwhile, it is believed that Dembele has offers from a range of different clubs around the continent, one of the clubs interested is said to be Chelsea. 

Thomas Tuchel is in the market for an attacker after the departure of Romelu Lukaku, the Stamford Bridge club are looking to sign Dembele as a free agent if he decides to leave Barcelona. 

Chelsea are also said to be closing in on a deal to bring in Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling. 

Chelsea have new direct contact scheduled with Man City to close Raheem Sterling deal. Positive talks also on Friday, waiting for final details on both player and club sides in order to complete the agreement. 🚨🔵 #CFC

Chelsea, pushing - Tuchel wanted Sterling since day one. pic.twitter.com/38sYNK62Kq

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2022

Where will Dembele be playing when the new season starts? Only time will tell.