Revealed: The real reason Barcelona want to extend Dembele's contract

Cameron Smith

• 3 Feb 2023 08:02 CST
• 3 min read

Barcelona are currently in talks with France international Ousmane Dembele regarding potentially renewing his deal at Camp Nou, according to reports.

The 25-year-old is under contract at the Blaugrana until 2024 after he signed a two-year deal last summer, and the club are keen to agree fresh terms.

The forward has five goals and five assists in 18 league games this term and has so far managed to stay fully fit, despite his history of injury problems.

READ: La Liga chief rules Barcelona out of Erling Haaland race

As a result, Dembele has become a key member of Xavi's squad and both the player and the club want to extend his time in the Spanish city, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The report details that the Spanish giants have contacted Ousmane Dembele's agent Moussa Sissoko regarding a potential renewal, with Barcelona prioritising the Frenchman's future at the club after offering Sergi Roberto a new deal.

READ: Benjamin Pavard: Man Utd and Barcelona learn Bayern Munich's asking price

Why do Barcelona want to renew Dembele's deal?

Of course, the Frenchman is an excellent player and Xavi wants him included in his squad, but there is another reason why Barcelona are desperate to agree a new deal for Dembele.

Mundo Deportivo have reported that if Dembele doesn't agree an extended contract at the club, then his release clause will be lowered to just €50 million this summer.

At that price, Dembele would be a very attractive proposition to many clubs across Europe, especially those in the Premier League, given their spending power.

As a result, Barcelona will be keen to tie him down to a longer deal and increase his release clause to a valuation they'd be happy to lose him for.

Barcelona spent €105m on Dembele in 2017, with a further €40m in potential add-ons.