Barcelona to open renewal talks with key forward and defender before the end of 2023

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona plan to open talks with Ousmane Dembele and Alejandro Balde over the next few months in order to extend their contracts with the club.

Dembele inked a new deal with the Blaugrana only as recently as July, ten days after his previous deal had expired.

The French international signed only a two-year short-term agreement until 2024 so that the door is left open for him to negotiate a higher salary when the club’s financial situation improves.

Dembele has absolutely thrived ever since Xavi Hernandez took over the reins of the club. His performances in 2022 have been top-notch, to say the least, and given how he has improved his fitness levels as well, it would only make sense for Barça to ensure that he is tied down to a longer contract.

As for Balde, the 18-year-old is enjoying a spectacular breakthrough season in 2022/23 and is leading the assists chart in La Liga (3) in the early stages of the campaign. Having usurped Jordi Alba as the first-choice left-back in Xavi’s side, the La Masia ace has made a big impact.

Like Dembele, the left-back’s contract also runs until 2024.

And even though there is no hurry to immediately extend his deal, Barcelona want to start negotiations before the end of 2023 and ensure that they secure his long-term future at the club, having done so with other young stars like Pedri, Ansu Fati and Gavi.

Apart from Dembele and Balde, Barcelona also plan to hold talks over a new deal for Inaki Pena as well, with the goalkeeper’s deal running out next summer.

However, they are not yet considering handing out extensions for Sergi Roberto and Memphis Depay, who will also be out of contract in 2023.