Barcelona want to renew €60 million-rated star before season starts, agent in no hurry

Over the past eighteen months, Ousmane Dembele has finally started to showcase his true quality at FC Barcelona on a regular basis. Buoyed by the confidence shown in him by manager Xavi Hernandez, the 26-year-old has been thriving at the Catalan club.

Xavi played a key role in convincing Dembele to sign a new contract with Barcelona last year when his deal had run out. The French international signed only a two-year contract though hoping to pen a better deal down the line.

And, the contract that the former Borussia Dortmund winger did sign not only expires next year, but also consists of a €50 million release clause which will become active this summer. And it has become a matter of concern for Barcelona.

Amidst this, SPORT is reporting that Barcelona wish to negotiate and renew Dembele’s contract before the start of the 2023/24 season.

Apart from the threat of some club activating the release clause looming, Barcelona are also worried that the Frenchman could sign for a different team after January, once he enters the final six months of his contract in 2024.

As such, the La Liga champions are keen on avoiding a situation like last year where the contract negotiations dragged on and close the matter by the start of the season.

What works in Barça’s favour is that Dembele and his agent, Moussa Sissoko, have conveyed to the club that they do not wish to leave and will renew his contract.

The Frenchman, whose market value is €60 million, himself spoke about his contract in a recent interview, saying: “It’s going very well. Barcelona want me to renew until 2027, my agent will talk to them. I’m happy in the team, also at home in Barcelona. We’ll see what happens.”

As confirmed by the player himself, Barcelona have tabled a new four-year contract offer until 2027 for Dembele. And the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner intends to sign the new deal.

But, even as the Blaugrana wish to finalise the extension before the start of the season, Dembele’s agent is in no hurry and wants to take his time.

Despite that, there is confidence that Dembele will renew his contract and stay at the club for a prolonged period with the new deal only being a time of when and not if.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.