Barcelona believes star winger ‘has left injuries behind’ and is ‘integral part of the rebuild’

Ousmane Dembélé was signed by Barcelona in 2017. He came with high hopes attached to him, touted by many to be the ‘next Neymar’. Nevertheless, his transfer has — thus far — followed in a series of failed ‘nexts’ such as Philippe Coutinho for Andres Iniesta, Arthur Mello for Xavi, and Nelson Semedo for Dani Alves. However, unlike the other three names, the French speedster may still prove his worth at Camp Nou.

At only 24-years-old, Dembélé has suffered a brutal first three campaigns in Catalonia, strife with injuries to his thighs, hamstrings, and other leg muscles. However, with several changes to his lifestyle (and work under Ronald Koeman’s fitness coaches), the Frenchman has managed to turn his fortunes around, having gone nearly the entire season injury-free.

Therefore, reports from Mundo Deportivo claim that Barça view him as an integral part of their future and the rebuild undertaken by Joan Laporta. It is said that, in the coming days, Laporta’s board will present the French winger’s agents with a first official offer for renewal.

While previous reports have outlined that they will offer a significantly lower wage, the club remains optimistic in their attempts to sign him on for a few more seasons.

Last October, Bartomeu and his cronies had offered Dembélé a contract renewal, which he’d refused. Even so, he is willing to listen to Joan Laporta, who is evidently much friendlier in his approach with the first-team players.

Dembélé currently awaits a contract renewal offer, and he will then evaluate his choices and whether to stay or not. The French winger has certainly improved his fitness this season, but his bluntness in front of goal and inconsistency in performance has left him partially ostracised during the later run of the season, where a renewed Antoine Griezmann has taken Koeman’s favour.