Barcelona re-sign french star on a pay-cut two-year contract
Barcelona has re-signed Ousmane Dembele to a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2024. The winger’s agency and the Catalan club reached a deal last week to prolong his stay, which has now been made official.
Dembele’s previous contract with Barcelona expired on June 30, making him a free agent. Xavi, on the other hand, sees the France international as an important player and has urged with the board to sign him to new terms.
What are the terms of Dembele’s new contract with Barcelona?
Dembele has re-signed with Barcelona for the next two years, with his new deal set to expire on June 30, 2024.
The forward has also agreed to a significant wage cut, with his compensation reportedly being cut by 40%.
However, variables based on his participation and performance in the next two seasons have been included. If he checks all of the boxes, he will be paid roughly €10 million each year.
Which teams were unable to sign Dembele?
After Dembele became a free agent, a number of clubs competed to sign him.
Chelsea were said to be interested in signing the winger since Thomas Tuchel had previously worked with him at Borussia Dortmund. However, Raheem Sterling was higher on their priority list than Dembele, and signing the Manchester City player saw the Blues’ interest wane.
PSG were reportedly interested in bringing Dembele to Parc des Princes, as were German heavyweights Bayern Munich, who are in danger of losing top scorer Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona.
What role will Dembele play for Barcelona in 2022-23?
Dembele scored one goal and provided 13 assists in 21 league appearances for Barcelona in 2021-22.
He is one of the players on whom Xavi relies. He will, however, face heavy competition for his slot from Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and the upcoming new recruit Raphinha.
Last season, Xavi predominantly used him as a right winger, and it has to be seen whether he shifts Raphinha into that role or continues to favor Dembele.