Dembele contract
Despite being without an official president until January 24th, Barcelona are reportedly pressing ahead with their plans for the future starting with contract negotiations – specifically that of France international Ousmane Dembele.
The biggest question around the club will be in the form of Lionel Messi who’s current deal expires at the end of the season. However, it is important the club do not become preoccupied with Messi’s situation and get distracted from other key elements of the squad.
Barcelona have spent their money relatively poorly after the sale of Neymar to PSG. Dembele was brought in as a much younger hope and long-term project that the club must ensure they keep.
Manchester United were reportedly pursuing a loan with an option to buy deal last summer but nothing materialised. Due to the interest from the Manchester club, Barcelona have accelerated their plans to renew Dembele who’s current deal expires in 2022. The former Dortmund starlet signed in 2017 on a 5-year deal which could become worth more than £130 million.
Since arriving, in 58 La Liga appearances Dembele has 13 goals and 11 assists. Whilst not prolific, Dembele was signed as a long-term investment and the Blaugrana will hope their loyalty is rewarded with an increased output from the Frenchman.
Koeman on Dembele
Baerca coach Ronald Koeman was very complimentary of Dembele after the Frenchman scored a penalty and assisted in the Catalan side’s Champions League win over Ferencvaros.
The Dutch manager wanted to highlight how ambidextrous the 23-year-old can be in addition to his physicality and speed.
“Dembele is a great player. He has a lot of quality, one on one, he is very fast, he is effective and manages both legs,” he said.
Barcelona’s Dutch coach Ronald Koeman (L) applauds as Barcelona’s French defender Clement Lenglet is helped to leave to pitch injured during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, on November 29, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
“The most important thing is he is physically very well. He is working well. We know there are different players at the front and it is difficult for the manager to decide when people like Dembele are playing at this level.”
Koeman has plenty of options in attack with Dembele and Messi but also Philippe Coutinho, Pedri, Trincao, Martin Braithwaite and Antoine Griezmann at his disposal. Barca will need Dembele to continue his good form into the league where surprise package of the season Cadiz await.
