EXCLUSIVE: Dembele OPEN to joining Mbappe-linked Al-Hilal despite REJECTING huge offer

Steve Kay

• Updated: 24 Jul 2023 15:29 BST
• 3 min read

Ousmane Dembele has declined a staggering €200 million salary offer from Al-Hilal but is open to a second proposal from the Pro League side.

We are told that the prominent Saudi Arabian football club, who recently sent a world-record offer to Paris Saint-Germain for Kylian Mbappe, are looking to sign the winger, who is willing to wait for a second proposal.

Indeed, Dembele has initially rejected an offer, but sources close to the player reveal that a potential deal could be on the horizon if Al-Hilal increase terms, such as wage and contract length.

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Amidst growing speculation over Ousmane Dembele's future, it has emerged that Al-Hilal tabled an eye-watering offer of €200 million to secure the services of the highly-rated Frenchman. However, Dembele and his representatives were quick to dismiss the initial bid.

Though it’s a huge sum, it’s believed that the 26-year-old can attract a bigger offer. He has communicated his willingness to entertain the idea of joining Al-Hilal if they were to make an offer of €50m per season over the course of seven years, amounting to an eye-watering €350m.

Dembele's Barcelona future

Dembele’s current Barcelona deal expires at the end of next season, though there have been talks with the former Borussia Dortmund forward over a new deal. Paris Saint-Germain have a long-standing interest in the Frenchman, but it was Al-Hilal who made the first concrete move.

Despite his persistent injury struggles, Dembele has been one of the standout performers under Xavi, with the Spanish coach being a huge fan of him. The 26-year-old chipped in with five goals and seven assists as Barcelona won LaLiga last season.

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Dembele has a release clause reportedly worth just €50m. He was Barcelona's record signing for six months after joining for a massive €115m in the summer of 2017.