Ousmane Dembélé’s contract expires in 2022 and Barcelona have not yet been successful in securing his long-term future.
On November 26th, Mundo Deportivo stated Newcastle United have sent an ‘astronomical’ proposal to the winger, which includes an annual salary of €15m and a signing on bonus of €15m.
Later that day, ESPN journalist Moisés Llorens reported the Magpies ‘want’ the 24-year-old and ‘plan to paint him and his agent with gold’.
The La Liga side, who are going through a delicate economic situation, have already sent an offer to the France international. Mundo Deportivo now claim the player ‘considers Barca’s renewal proposal low’, while Newcastle are positioning themselves for the transfer.
It’s claimed the Tyneside club have ‘burst in with force’ to sign the ex-Borussia Dortmund man. Eddie Howe’s side are trying to convince him to accept their project and join them as a free agent next summer, even though the player has shown much eagerness for the Magpies.
Xavi Hernández has made it clear to Dembélé that he views him as a ‘fundamental player’ at the Camp Nou. Speaking to reporters on Friday, the manager stressed it’s now down to the player to decide his future.
“I had a personal chat with him, I made it clear to him how important he was to me, not only for this season but also for the future,” Mundo quoted Xavi as saying.
“I wish he can renew because he is a footballer capable of making a difference in the coming years. I talk to him, I do not know his environment. It depends on him and the club.”
There’s every chance Newcastle are being used by the player’s agents to put further pressure on Barcelona.
