MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 11:55:38| >> :120:10669:10669:

Ousmane Dembele 'performs U-turn on Barcelona future'

Ousmane Dembele 'performs U-turn on Barcelona future'
© Reuters
Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele is keen to find an agreement to sign a new contract at the club, according to a report.

Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele is reportedly hopeful of finding an agreement to stay on at Camp Nou.

The France international has been free to negotiate with foreign clubs since the start of the calendar year after entering the final six months of his existing deal with the Catalans.

Dembele's first half of the 2021-22 season saw him struggle consistently with injuries, and Barcelona attempted to offload the 25-year-old over the winter.

However, the Blaugrana were unable to do so, and Dembele has continued to run down his contract ahead of an anticipated free transfer away from the club at the end of the season.

Dembele has since been given a new lease of life under Xavi, though, leading to suggestions that he could yet extend his time with the Catalan giants.

Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele pictured on January 22, 2022© Reuters

The ex-Borussia Dortmund man has been in discussions with the club over his future, and Sport - via the Daily Mail - claims that he is now keen to pen fresh terms.

The report adds that Dembele and his agent were still left dissatisfied by Barca's recent offer of an extension and will come back with a counter offer within the next few days.

Barca president Joan Laporta recently revealed that an offer was on the table for Dembele, but the attacker is "tempted" by the prospect of a move elsewhere.

Speaking to Catalunya Radio, the 59-year-old said: "The offer was presented a long time ago and they have taken time to answer us.

"We cannot force anything because this depends on two parties. I believe that he will stay, but he is tempted by other options that he could believe are superior."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta during the press conference on February 1, 2022© Reuters

Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be the two frontrunners to sign Dembele as a free agent in the summer transfer window, while Chelsea have also been linked.

Dembele has scored one goal and set up 13 more in 20 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season, although he was an unused substitute in last weekend's draw with Getafe.

The Frenchman currently leads the way in assists in the 2021-22 La Liga season - one clear of Karim Benzema's 12, while Vinicius Junior, Iker Muniain and Jordi Alba have 10 each.

The £126m man has totalled 149 appearances for Barcelona since making the move from Dortmund in 2017, providing 32 goals and 34 assists over the past five years.

Dembele has been a part of two La Liga-winning sides and two Copa del Rey triumphs with Barcelona, who finish their season against Villarreal on Sunday evening.

ID:486321:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5209:

Ousmane Dembele future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Ousmane Dembele

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ousmane Dembele in action for Barcelona in February 2022
Read Next:
Barcelona president Laporta provides update on Dembele future
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Liverpool34228475344174
3Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd33165125150153
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331551369541550
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham34139125463-948
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Bournemouth34129134960-1145
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves34127154654-843
13Fulham34126165054-442
14Crystal Palace34109154456-1239
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3467214775-2825
19Burnley3458213769-3223
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3437243392-5916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!