Ousmane Dembele short on options

One of the most sought-after players heading into the summer transfer window was Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele.

At least, that’s what we all expected.

It hasn’t exactly turned out that way as the French forward isn’t quite as in demand as he and his representatives would have hoped.

They turned down Barcelona’s offer for an extension in order to test the market. As it stands, Dembele only seems to be shuffling Chelsea and Barcelona as legitimate options.

There was a rumor linking him with PSG as Kylian Mbappe reportedly wanted him on the team. However, that rumor didn’t last long with the French side deciding to focus on other areas of need.

While many assumed Barcelona considered Dembele history, especially given the words by Joan Laporta, there still might be some chance he could be wearing a Barcelona uniform come next season. Xavi Hernandez has asked the team to make a final attempt to convince the former Borussia Dortmund forward to stay.

https://twitter.com/ManagingBarca/status/1538471208554967041

The main reason a deal between the two sides was not reached is because they were far apart in terms of wages. With Dembele’s injury history and the club’s financial situation, they were never going to lead the charge in terms of what they could offer monetarily speaking.

The members voting to approve a pair of economic levers has changed things somewhat. The club has climbed out a bit of their financial hole and with more flexibility in the transfer market. This could lead to the club improving their terms on a potential contract.

Adding more fuel to Dembele possibly staying is he was asked by fans about his future and said he was “fine” at Barcelona.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea are having doubts about Dembele given his injury history. Despite a deal being close, that’s what is scaring off the club at the moment.

In the end, it’s going to come down to Dembele to make the final decision. His representative asking for high commissions has been the roadblock to reaching a deal with Barcelona. It appears Dembele will either be playing in Spain or England come next season as those are his only two options.