Ousmane Dembele Signs New Barcelona Contract

Ousmane Dembele has signed a new two-year deal with Barcelona after his contract ran out at the end of June. Dembele, now 25, joined Barcelona in 2017 on a then club-record transfer from Borussia Dortmund that with variables was set to reach 147 million euros (then $173 million) as the club sought a young talent after the unwanted exit of Neymar.

After suffering serious injuries early in his stay at Barcelona, Dembele consolidated himself as one of its most irreplaceable players thanks to his speed and playmaking.

The new contract concludes a drawn-out negotiation between player and club that appeared to have broken down in January when Dembélé rejected Barcelona's renewal offer, prompting the club to tell his agent to find the France winger a new club.

Dembele continued to play well for coach Xavi Hernández and remained one of his most used players.

But with his contract expiring this summer, it appeared he would leave. Dembele was linked to possible moves to England's Premier League or to Paris Saint-Germain, the team of Neymar, and former Barcelona great Lionel Messi.

Now he will be considered one of Xavi's pillars as the coach tries to build a winning side following a season without a title. The forward has 32 goals and assisted on 34 more in 150 appearances for Barcelona.

 

July 14, 2022