The move to take Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona to PSG is edging ever closer after the Frenchman informed Barcelona that he wanted to begin formal contract negotiations with the French outfit. Dembele's agent has since agreed a five-year contract with PSG and talks are now taking place between the two clubs in regards to a transfer fee.
If PSG are quick enough in their dealings this afternoon and get a bid of £43m sent over to Spain before midnight, then the deal will be all but secured due to the release clause in Dembele's contract. If they take too long and negotiations roll into tomorrow, then Barcelona aren't obliged to agree to any fee under £86m.
There is a belief among all parties that the transfer will soon be complete, providing Barcelona don't try and tempt Dembele to stay with a new contract offer of their own. If the deal does go ahead, though, then it's one that makes a lot of sense for everyone involved. Here's why.
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He brings them some much-needed star power
To say this has been a turbulent summer for the French champions would be an understatement. First, Lionel Messi left the club after two disappointing seasons to join Inter Miami and now, they are trying to get Kylian Mbappe out of the club as swiftly as possible after the Frenchman informed them that he no longer wants to play for them. All the while, the future of their other superstar – Neymar- also remains up in the air.
Since the club was bought by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, they have always had some star power up front and with Messi and Mbappe out the door, they need to fill that void. Ousmane Dembele certainly fits the bill given he has been a Barcelona and France regular for half a decade. If the 26-year-old can overcome his injury problems, then he will be a force to be reckoned with in Ligue 1.
Verbal agreement between Ousmane Dembélé and Paris Saint-Germain is confirmed — sealed since Sunday late night on five year deal. 🔴🔵🔒
Dembélé said yes, as revealed overnight.
It’s on PSG and Barça to find the way — Liga €50m clause set to expire in 8 hours… or another way. pic.twitter.com/zUROWKbB3i
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2023
He is someone their fans can get behind
Over the past couple of seasons, the hardcore PSG support have made their feelings known towards the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar. They feel as if players are only coming to PSG for the money and don't care about the spirit and passion of the supporters.
Whether they are right or not is a debate for another day, however, Dembele represents someone the fans will surely get behind. He was born and raised in France before moving to Borussia Dortmund as a teenager and often saves his best performances for the national team. With a French-born winger in their term, the supporters may well get back on board with the Qatari project.
He (potentially) won't cost a lot of money
Finally, PSG have the opportunity to sign Dembele for just £43m. For someone who is just entering the prime of their career and who is just about as gifted as anyone in world football that represents something of a steal. If they can get the deal over the line for that price, or something similar, then they will have their new superstar secured for the next five years.
