Why Sterling’s Chelsea move is key in Ousmane Dembele’s Barcelona future

Robin Bairner

Updated: 8 Jul 2022 20:23 BST
3 min read

Raheem Sterling, Manchester City, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Barcelona are close to agreeing a new contract with winger Ousmane Dembele following a dramatic power shift in negotiations – and the outcome of the talks could hinge on Raheem Sterling completing his expected transfer to Chelsea.

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According to Fabrizio Romano, Dembele has accepted a new deal with the club – but it is now up to Barca whether they wish to sign the France international or not.

This marks a significant turnaround in the narrative of these contract talks, which have been ongoing for months and at times have been heated and far too public for the club’s liking. Indeed, in December, Barca were even reportedly threatening to freeze Dembele out of their squad entirely as he refused to buckle on his demands.

It is Barcelona, though, who have apparently come out of these talks the winners.

Why Chelsea are pivotal

Dembele’s case has not been helped by teams who were previously interested in him turning their interest elsewhere. There were brief reports that Kylian Mbappe wanted him to join PSG in the summer, but these quickly petered out. Similarly, Chelsea held a significant interest in the player for a period but have instead targeted other options, with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling set to sign for the Stamford Bridge side.

Raphinha also remains a possibility for Chelsea should their deal for Sterling collapse at the 11th hour, and if he were to move to Stamford Bridge, that would leave Barcelona with little option but to agree terms with Dembele and sign him on for another year.

© ProShots - Raphinha is wanted by Barcelona and Chelsea

Should Sterling, as expected, sign for the Blues, there is a stronger possibility that Raphinha could yet move to Barcelona. It is reported that they have made another verbal offer for the Leeds winger and are waiting for a response. If this is positive, the Brazilian could well be on his way to Camp Nou.

Indeed, Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has already hinted that the player is eager to move.

Some sources have claimed that the deals for Raphinha and Dembele are not mutually connected, but given Barcelona’s financial issues, it is difficult to see them taking both on in the summer.