TRANSFER MARKET
PSG line up Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembélé as replacement for Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappé
The complexities of Dembélé's contractual situation means Barça would be willing to negotiate with the Ligue 1 champions.
AS can reveal that Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembélé if, as seems likely, Kylian Mbappé leaves the Ligue 1 champions this summer for Real Madrid, or indeed any other club. Head coach Luis Enrique has given the potential move the green light, which would see the LaLiga giants lose an important attacking player but receive a significant transfer fee which would allow them to strengthen various parts of their roster.
Like Mbappé, it could turn out to be a long summer where Dembélé is concerned, with the France international having a contract until 2024, which contains two different clauses. His release clause stands at €100 million but dropped to €50 million for both June and July, with the player able to buy himself out of his Barça deal for the same figure during those months. However, Dembélé revealed he had no intention of doing so and has been true to his word with the end of the July approaching. Barcelona have offered the attacker a new contract until 2027 but he has so far yet to sign it.
As is logical given their delicate financial situation, the Catalans would be willing to negotiate with PSG and would not be looking for the full release clause, which goes back up to €100 million on 1 August, to be paid. Barça run the risk of losing the player for free in June 2024 if he does not sign a new deal, so moving him on now would be in their best interests and would allow Xavi to sign a new right-back and a midfielder, which are considered priority positions.
This, of course, is not the first Dembélé has been linked to PSG. As recently as last year, he appeared to be on the brink of making the move to the French capital, before ultimately renewing his contract at Camp Nou. But the rumours have persisted and if Mbappé does finally depart, he could be replaced by France teammate Dembélé, who struggles for consistency but is almost as electrifying when he is on his game.
But it will all come down to PSG moving Mbappé on, which has already been a drawn-out process and looks set to remain that way for some time yet.