Varun Pai
Barcelona hand ultimatum to Ousmane Dembele over new contract as Manchester United look to pounce
According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t The Sun), Barcelona have handed a 6-day ultimatum to Ousmane Dembele to sign a new contract amidst transfer interest from Manchester United.
The injury-riddled Frenchman joined the Blaugrana club in 2017 but is yet to justify his price tag. In the last five years, he has made 128 appearances and has scored 31 goals and provided 23 assists in the process. Although not the healthiest goal-return, the Catalan outfit are ready to renew his deal.
Dembele has six months left on his contract and has now been handed a 6-day ultimatum by Barcelona to pen an extension. Club president Rafa Yuste is also hopeful of the French international signing a new deal. This comes after the player’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, got irked by Xavi’s decision of playing his client immediately after recovering from Covid-19.
But if the former Borussia Dortmund man fails to commit his future to the Spanish club in the coming, Man United and Newcastle United are ready to pounce on a potential deal. The Red Devils, in particular, are keen on signing the World Cup winner to their ranks. But they would be aware that rivals Chelsea are also eager on a potential move, according to AS (h/t The Sun).
Man United to seal free transfer for Ousmane Dembele?
The Barcelona ace is one of a kind. His pace, technical skills, and youthful drive in every game are useful for any club. Man United want a piece of this action and need to swoop in to seal a deal as soon as possible.
In fact, since the 24-year-old is yet to sign an extension, we could get a pre-contract agreement sorted out for him. This would see him agree to the terms of our deal in January and then join us as a free agent in the summer. His addition would be a welcome boost, given the current status of our frontline.
The Red Devils did sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho in the summer, but the latter is set to turn 37 soon. Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard could leave Old Trafford once their contracts expire in the summer. Anthony Martial has also requested a move away from the Theatre of Dreams.
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Thus, there is a need to bring in reinforcements and signing Dembele on a free transfer would be the cherry on top of the cake. However, Man United shall have to monitor his contractual situation over the next few days before striking an agreement with the Frenchman. Alternatively, a cut-price deal in January can be negotiated, but it depends on the kind of fee Barcelona shall command for their prized asset.
