BARCELONA are looking to extend Ousmane Dembele’s contract for fear of losing the forward on the cheap.
The forward’s current deal expires next summer but letting Dembele enter his final year could prove costly for the LaLiga leaders.
According to Fabrizio Romano, his release clause allows him to leave for £88million during the final year of his contract.
And if it reaches July and August of 2023, that is cut down to half price at just £44m.
Barca paid £135.5m for the Frenchman in 2017 so they are desperate to agree new terms and avoid selling for a fraction of that price.
So far this season, Dembele has made 28 appearances and scored eight goals but has missed the side’s last seven league games through a hamstring injury.
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Raphinha helped fill the void in Barca’s most recent match, with his goal against Athletic Bilbao separating the two.
But the Brazilian former Leeds star still faces an uncertain future in Spain with Chelsea and Newcastle among those linked with the player.
Barca were charged with corruption after it emerged the club continued to pay the head of Spain’s refereeing committee over a period of 17 years.
And on top of that, they have been banned from buying any players this summer due to Financial Fair Play.
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Barca president Joan Laporta could be forced to resign from his post as a result of the club’s turmoil.
And a number of players could have to leave the club as officials desperately look to raise funds.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, one of the players expected to go is Raphinha and Chelsea and Newcastle are understood to be keen on signing him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
