Barcelona are hoping to renew the contract of Manchester United target Ousmane Dembele, whose current deal expires in 2022.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are working on a project to extend Ousmane Dembele’s contract following recent developments at the club. Especially, following the long-term injury of Ansu Fati, the Frenchman is now considered as an integral part of the club’s future.
However, things could get trickier for the Spanish giants, as Dembele isn’t willing to outrightly agree to a contract extension. The winger was heavily linked with a loan move to Manchester United in the summer and it appears he is still considering the possibility of a potential transfer away from Camp Nou.
While one might expect the Red Devils to come back for Dembele in the upcoming January transfer window, the possibility of a transfer is non-existent due to the ill-timed injury of Fati. The youngster, therefore, has become a valuable asset for Barcelona’s attacking unit, notably putting in an impressive display in the 5-2 win over Real Betis.
It essentially means that Dembele will have to make a decision regarding his future next summer when Barcelona will be more than willing to cash in on him should he refuse to sign a contract. His potential stay at Camp Nou could also hinge on the result of the club’s presidential elections in January.
From a sporting perspective, however, the Frenchman’s prolonged stay in Catalonia could be essential for the club’s future as they brace themselves for life without the ageing Lionel Messi while last summer’s marquee signing Antoine Griezmann has failed to live up to the expectations.
The onus is now on young players like Dembele, Fati, Pedri and Francisco Trincao to provide the quality going forward and ease Barcelona’s transitional phase by becoming first-team regulars under Ronald Koeman. However, we could still expect the Blaugrana to sign at least one winger as the Dutchman looks to shore up his options in the final third.
As for Manchester United, they are still in desperate need of a winger, especially considering the underwhelming performances of Daniel James while Juan Mata is nearing the final phase of his career.
Dembele was one of their prime targets in the summer, but with the Frenchman unlikely to leave Barcelona in January, it won’t be surprising to see the Premier League giants splash the cash on their priority target in Jadon Sancho next summer.
