Ousmane Dembele has not yet signed a pre-contract with any club

The Barcelona-Ousmane Dembele saga refuses to reach a conclusion. The Frenchman was heavily tipped to leave the club in January but his refusal prevented Barca from selling him, despite having numerous offers. Due to their contract standoff, Dembele was not allowed into the XI for the entire month of January but was re-introduced into the setup earlier this month. 

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What has transpired between Dembele and Barcelona?

The Frenchman was extremely close to penning down an extension with Barca last year. But, his agent presented with incredible financial demands on behalf of his client. Dembele’s entourage demanded €200 million in wages for the 24-year-old, across five seasons, in addition to a €20 million signing-on fee for both, player and the agent. These demands were immediately shot down by the former La Liga champions who then proceeded to bench him for the whole of January. 

What has changed?

Dembele has maintained his stance of wanting to stay at Camp Nou but has insisted that the proceedings are not in his hands. Having said that, if recent performances and reports are any judges to go by, Dembele has been a very good professional and has been electric on the pitch. 

On Sunday Barcelona took on Athletic Bilbao at home. While the former Borussia Dortmund winger started from the bench, a mere 30 minutes were enough for him to make an ever-lasting impact and to remind the world how good he really is. In the 30 minutes that he played, Dembele scored a stunner and made two brilliant assists, helping his side romp to a convincing 4-0 victory. 

He not only managed to get on the scoresheet but managed to turn the whistles into applause. In many ways, Sunday’s performance against Bilbao was Dembele’s best in a Barca shirt. 

Now, as per Spanish journalist Halena Condis, Dembele’s entourage have communicated that they have not signed a pre-agreement with any club and that the player is keen on reciprocating Xavi’s backing and love. Xavi has defended Dembele in public every time he has been asked about the talented winger. 

 

What next for Dembele?

It is very much possible that he ends up staying at Barca. He is said to be excited by Xavi’s project and is convinced that he can get an important role in the same. Xavi has been backing the 24-year-old because of the monstrous levels of natural talent that he possesses. Having said that, talks over a new contract are yet to start between the two parties. Barcelona are not expected to make any more offers but would be willing to listen if Dembele’s entourage approaches first. 

Where do you think this saga will lead?

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