July 14, (THEWILL) – By agreeing to a new two-year deal with Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele has put an end to months of speculation over his future at Spotify Camp Nou.
Over the past year, the Frenchman has repeatedly toyed with leaving because of a contract dispute and his most recent contract actually ran out at the end of June, making him technically a free agent and subject to interest from Chelsea.
However, after initially refusing to sign a contract, the winger has now committed to Camp Nou through the year 2024. THEWILL recalls that in January, Barcelona made a last-ditch effort to sell the 25-year-old after he turned down their then offer because of his high salary expectations.
After six months, the player has now strangely consented to a significant pay cut, in order to stay with the Blaugrana. Considering Barcelona’s difficult financial condition, the France international will have his income slashed by an initial 40% under the new terms he has agreed to, and he has done so in the hopes of receiving a better offer in a year.
Recently, Barcelona’s wrapped up a preliminary deal to bring in Brazilian wide forward, Raphinha, from Leeds after pulling a “second economic lever” of their funding, as THEWILL reported.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
