Just in: Ousmane Dembele rejects Barcelona’s contract renewal

It seems the Barcelona and Ousmane Dembele contract renewal saga is finally coming to an end. While reports in the previous weeks may have suggested that the Frenchman was leaning towards a renewal, the reliable Gerard Romero has an update that suggests otherwise.

According to Romero, Dembele has rejected Barcelona’s contract renewal proposal. The negotiations have broken down today, and it seems the decision is made beyond return.

Dembele, who has been at Barcelona for nearly five years now, has not particularly gained supporters at the Camp Nou. Between his perpetual injuries and poor attitude off the pitch, it is fair to say that he’s not a popular figure between fans.

In today’s meeting, Ousmane Dembélé and his agents asked for a €40m gross salary per season and €20m in renewal bonus. This number was rejected by Joan Laporta and co., And understandably so.

Joan Laporta and Xavi stand on the other side of the rainbow, though. The two have praised Dembele immensely, pushing him to sign the renewal.

This season, he has played no more than five games, but has managed to register two assists. His performance against Sevilla showed a lot of what he is capable of as helped Barça secure a draw away from home.

The World Cup winner has been linked to several clubs recently, with Newcastle United and Juventus in particular catching fire. He’ll be free to negotiate with any club starting January 1st, and will eventually leave as a free agent in June.