Dembele won't play for Barcelona again if he doesn't renew contract

Barcelona fear Ousmane Dembele is veering towards exiting the club.

For someone with such a chequered past with injuries, Joan Laporta and the rest of the Blaugrana hierarchy are perhaps entitled to be surprised that Dembele hasn't already moved to secure his future.

The fact he hasn't perhaps points to a bigger offer on the table elsewhere, which might also include a chunky signing-on fee.

Barcelona have proposed a contract renewal to the Frenchman, which would see his weekly wage reduced.

It would also mean that there would be space to belatedly register Ferran Torres, who has been in Catalonia awaiting the green light to officially join his new club.

Both Dembele and Barcelona are clear on the path forward.

If Dembele renews, he stays and plays, with Xavi confirming his admiration for the 24-year-old.

If he doesn't, then he will be immediately put on the transfer list.

That scenario wouldn't be ideal for Barcelona, as - given Dembele's contract expires in the summer - his sale fee will be nowhere near the 162 million euro deal that brought him to Catalonia.

There is one school of thought that his contract could be ripped up completely, but that depends on a series of legal judgements.

Contracted or not, if Dembele decides to leave, he will have played his last game for Barcelona.

With such uncertainty around Dembele, the arrival of Torres becomes even more significant.

Fortunately for the Catalans, with fellow forwards Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati and Martin Braithwaite all on the way back from injury, there is plenty of cover if Dembele does depart.

Adblock test (Why?)