Barcelona Still Willing To Offer This French Winger A New Contract: What Should Koeman Do?

Mundo Deportivo has recently reported that Barcelona are still willing to offer Ousmane Dembele a new contract. It is understood that the Catalan outfit are prepared to extend the French winger’s deal beyond the summer of 2022 when his current contract at the Nou Camp comes to an end (via Mundo Deportivo).

Dembele’s Promising Start To This La Liga Campaign

Dembele has managed to stay injury-free this season and was enjoying a good run of form for Barca before this international break. The Vernon-born goal-getter has been involved in eight matches for Ronald Koeman’s team this term, scoring three goals and securing one assist in various competitions.

The 23-year-old have proved his class in Europe this season as he is averaging 2.3 shots and 3.3 dribbles per game in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. He has also interchanged possession immaculately with others around him after making 83.3% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).

The 21-time France international could be in for a busier season this time around as Ansu Fati has sustained a serious injury which will keep him out of action well into the new year. Hence, Dembele will have to step up and give a good account of himself alongside Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann week in week out.

What Does The French Speedster Bring To The Table?

Dembele is blessed with blistering pace which he can utilise to breeze past his marker out on the flanks. He can get to the by-line at will and can get a few strikes in on-target. On his day, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner can be a decent finisher in front of the opposition goal. However, there are some serious concerns over his long-term health as he has been far too injury-prone since making the big switch from Borussia Dortmund a little over three years ago.

Should The Catalans Retain Dembele’s Services Beyond 2022?

The Spanish giants need to keep hold of their star players if they are to build a strong team capable of coping with life after Messi’s departure. Hence, Koeman will have no choice but to tie Dembele up on a new contract as Barca currently do no have the funds to make a marquee signing.

Even then, Dembele’s injury history makes him a risky option for Barca to keep hold of for the long-run. Koeman might be better off cashing in on him in January or at the end of this campaign and using the money generated from his exit to recruit a quality winger. Either way, the Catalan club are in for a period of transition, so if Dembele can perform at a high level on the field in the coming months, then he would deserve a lucrative new deal at the Nou Camp.

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Abhinab Ghosh

A 26-year-old sports writer and an aspiring football coach who has road-tripped across the Scottish Highlands, but has never been to Wales. Sucker for cliff-hangers and catchy riffs. Known to be a grunger and not to be a stranger.

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