Barcelona formulate ‘anti-injuries’ plan with explosive winger, optimistic about renewal

Barcelona are keen to put an end to the ongoing drama surrounding the contract extension of Ousmane Dembele.

The 24-year-old will be entering the final six months of his contract at the end of the year and has not yet penned an extension, despite the club sitting down with his agent, Moussa Sissoko, to negotiate a deal many times already.

Barca have come up with different proposals, with varied payment structures, so that they can cater to the need of the Frenchman while staying within their financial means. But they have been unable to finalise an agreement yet. However, Mundo Deportivo is now reporting that the Catalans are very optimistic about a renewal and expect the matter to be closed in January.

The club firmly believes that Dembele wants to continue at Camp Nou, with the report stating that the fact that the winger risked himself for a couple of matches this season without being fully fit shows his commitment towards the team.

A major problem for the former Borussia Dortmund superstar throughout his stint at Camp Nou has been his injury record. Dembele, in his tenure with Barcelona, has almost missed as many games as he has played. And the club are committed to helping him put it all behind and fulfil his potential.

The report states that Barca have made plans for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner to avoid injuries and have consulted Dr Lasse Lampainen, the surgeon who operated on Dembele earlier this year after his latest injury setback, to get to the root of his fitness issues. And it is claimed that the Frenchman made a trip to Finland in October during which a specific recovery and injury prevention plan was formulated for him to follow.

Barcelona are extremely positive that a new deal will be signed. Whether that is how things pan out remains to be seen. If he does not, Dembele will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement over a free transfer with clubs from abroad in January. A crucial couple of weeks await.