Barcelona has begun the process of renewing Ousmane Dembele’s contract. Due to the Frenchman’s great performances in recent matches, a procedure that looked entirely out of the question a few months ago is suddenly back on the table. Laporta, Xavi, and his colleagues never miss an occasion to promote his contract extension through public appearances. However, not all wishes can be granted.
Barcelona’s financial condition remains precarious, and Mateu Alemany is juggling a slew of concerns to cover the deal in the annual balance sheet.
Barcelona and Mateu Alemany
Mateu Alemany traveled to Marrakech to meet with Moussa Sissoko, the Frenchman’s agent, after several weeks of no contact between the two sides. Relations had deteriorated after the player refused to sign a contract extension in December, refused to leave during the winter transfer window, and declined the club’s offer of release.
The club’s sporting directors took the initial step of arranging a meeting after seeing how well the player is playing. The new coach has been instrumental in the club’s shift in attitude. He was Dembele’s biggest fan and lobbied for his return to the team in February rather than being benched, as the board had desired.
Xavi always seems to have faith in the Frenchman, as evidenced by his performance in the match after match, and his ability to incorporate him into the group. Xavi has also requested that Laporta attempt to renew Dembele’s contract. Everything would have been different if Xavi had not shown such tenacity in this matter.
Financial Situation about Dembele
The meeting was used to break the ice between the parties. It wasn’t so much a negotiation as it was a conversation between the two parties regarding money. After a long period of no-touch, it was a meeting to establish positions.
What is evident is that both parties are open to discussing the future of their partnership. Dembele is seen as a quality player by the club, and because he has yet to sign a contract with another club, he is free to choose his future and remain at Camp Nou. The financial negotiations will commence in the next few days, with no date set for the next meeting.
In whatever economic transaction that Barcelona considers, FFP is a problem. To be able to bring in new players and renew old contracts, the club’s salary bill must be decreased. Barcelona can’t afford to spend too much, and the player understands that he can’t ask for much more since the club can’t.
However, Barcelona has made it plain that if Dembele’s contract is not renewed, they would have to hunt for a replacement on the market, and buying a player with Dembele’s characteristics will be expensive.
Barcelona’s advantage over Rivals
Dembele has several suitors. On a free transfer, PSG and Premier League clubs are interested in signing him. It will be interesting to see what happens with Mbappe in the end, as his future will have an impact on whatever move PSG makes for Dembele.
Several English clubs have expressed interest in him and have made steps to sign him. The fact that the player is currently pleased with Camp Nou gives Barcelona an advantage.
Dembele is in good form, he has the coach’s trust, he can see that there is a plan for the future, and he feels a part of the team. And that is priceless. Barcelona may not be able to offer as many millions as other clubs, but they can offer the player this package.
Read: Here are the first two questions Xavi Hernandez asked his players while taking charge of Barcelona
