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| Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona with the ball during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Camp Nou on May 28, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. |
In addition to making sales and getting new players into the club, another important goal at FC Barcelona this summer window is to sort out the contract renewals of a number of their players. While not on a high priority, Ousmane Dembele is one of the players on whom the club is working for a renewal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Dembele’s release clause has descended to €50 million from €100 million under the current contract and the Catalan club is working on an extension of the contract till 2027 with an improved release clause.
The report further indicates that Dembele feels comfortable and valued under the tutelage of Xavi Hernández and is not contemplating a move away from Camp Nou and has the full confidence of the coaching staff as well.
Arriving from the German Bundesliga in 2017, where he used to play for the yellow and blacks of Borussia Dortmund under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel, the Frenchman came bearing massive expectations given his performances and the price tag attached.
His time at Barcelona has since been a mixed bag. Injuries and their extended durations of recovery have consistently plagued the winger and negated any and all runs of form he would tend to pick up, leading to a very talented yet very inconsistent profile within the Barcelona team.
However, since the arrival of Xavi Hernandez as head coach of FC Barcelona, the 26-year-old winger has transformed in regards to both his physical fitness and his diverse understanding of the game. Maturing both off-the-ball and while on it, the changes can be seen as a drastic improvement. Now considered by many as one of the most potent wingers across Europe, the player has finally found his best self under the ex-Barcelona legend and current coach.
Reportedly, the Catalans have already sent the Frenchman their first offer to renew with them until 2027, and if recent revelations are to be believed, he would be more than willing to renew. The player is said to be uninterested in joining any other side even if they possess the capabilities of paying his €50 million release clause over the summer.
The player’s 13 assists last season under Xavi’s tutelage as well as his input of 5 goals and 6 assists in La Liga Santander are definite statistical improvements, and that’s valuable considering Xavi’s primary use of him is beyond simply direct goal involvements. His ability to expand the field, isolate defenders and then have the quality to beat them in 1v1s make him Xavi’s ideal winger, and accordingly, he would emphasize that Barcelona do whatever is feasibly possible to ensure his stay at the Catalan club is extended.
