Ousmane Dembele: Why the Barcelona star will soon become a headache

Karan Tejwani

• 27 Jan 2023 12:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Ousmane Dembele has done well for Barcelona over the course of the season, becoming an important figure in Xavi’s attack in this campaign.

Xavi sees the Frenchman as a key player in his attack and has made major plans for his team around him, seeing potential in his talent.

Over the last year, Dembele has become a regular for the team, getting away from his nagging injury worries to lead the attacking line from the wing.

READ: Barcelona tell PSG Ousmane Dembele's massive asking price

However, there could be a worry in the future despite the fact that Barcelona see the renewal of his contract as a priority after the conclusion of the January transfer window.

Dembele could become a problem

Dembele wishes to continue playing at Barcelona for the next few years and wants to reach a contract agreement as soon as possible to avoid any hassle like there was last year.

He became a free agent for a while after his contract had run out but a renewal was reached and the Frenchman ended up staying at Barcelona.

READ: Chelsea and PSG battle for Ousmane Dembele

His current deal runs until 2024 and he has a low release clause of €50 million, and there is a fair bit of interest in him, mainly from Paris Saint-Germain.

Dembele’s entourage accepted a wage package well below their expectations in the hope that his improved performances will enable an increased offer by 2024.

However, that may not be on the cards as the salary cap in La Liga and Barcelona’s financial position may mean that he will have to continue with the same contract.

The only positive in Barcelona’s favour is that Dembele has a desire to continue and has made that clear to those around him, so a deal can be worked out.

Barcelona would ideally like to sell Dembele this summer if they aren’t able to renew his contract as they wouldn’t want to lose him for nothing in 2024.