Ousmane Dembele professed his desire to continue playing at Barcelona last week, when his agent met Barcelona director Deco, confirming that the player has no wish to activate his release clause this summer.
Dembele has a €50 million release clause embedded in his contract, which can be activated this month. But the forward remains keen on continuing at Barcelona after enjoying immense success under the leadership of Xavi Hernandez.
The two parties are now set to take the relationship a step further, as they advanced negotiations over a renewal. This has been reported by Mundo Deportivo, which suggests Barcelona have made positive steps in their bid to keep hold of Dembele.
The former Borussia Dortmund starlet’s current deal at Camp Nou expires in the summer of 2024. But the report suggests the two parties are exchanging proposals, seeking an agreement that will guarantee the player’s stay at Barcelona until 2027.
Dembele will turn 30 by the time, with Barça also open to the possibility of adding an optional one-year extension into the potential new deal.
The French international is aware of Barça’s poor economic situation, which has crippled the club’s powers in the transfer market. But the two parties are hopeful they can settle for an agreement that will satisfy all parties involved.
Barcelona are likely to focus on a formula of a lower salary for Dembele. But they will offer high incentives and bonuses to the player, based on his performances at Camp Nou in the years to come.
In addition to the bonuses, there is also a prospect of captaining Barcelona, which may appeal to Dembele. With Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets leaving the club, Dembele is one of the candidates to take up the role of captaincy, as he is one of the most experienced players in the first-team.
Meanwhile, Dembele’s potential extension could serve as a major blow for Paris Saint-Germain, who were hoping to trigger Dembele’s €50 million release clause this summer.