Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembélé ‘appeals’ to Manchester City as he looks likely to leave the Camp Nou on a free transfer next summer.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who cover the situation around the Frenchman today and a possible move to Newcastle United.
They explain that Dembélé’s contract situation is causing ‘headaches’ at Barcelona as his deal expires next summer, and they’d hate to lose him on a free.
That’s a distinct possibility at this moment in time, though, as despite negotiations being underway for some time, the two parties are not close to a deal.
He’s in talks with Newcastle about a five-year deal worth €15m a year, but the Magpies are not the only interested party, with it stated the Frenchman also ‘appeals’ to Manchester City.
Whether they’ve opened talks like Newcastle have isn’t mentioned, but there is one potential stumbling block; Dembélé’s demands.
While he wants an increase on his current earnings, he is also asking for a €15m signing on bonus, given he will be available on a free transfer come the summer.
His status as a free agent puts him in a ‘stronger position than ever’, with it stated that he is literally the ‘master of his destiny’.
That means he’s free to demand what he wants, hence the €15m signing on bonus on top of the €15m wages being negotiated with Newcastle.
It’s debatable whether Manchester City would pay either of those sums, particularly given Dembélé’s injury history and the fact they’re going to be hunting for one, maybe two big-name strikers next summer.
In fact, we suspect that would make Dembélé less likely to happen, but Foot Mercato insist the interest is there nonetheless.
