Ousmane Dembele’s signing for Barcelona had become emblematic of Josep Maria Bartomeu’s turbulent presidency.
An untenably ballooning wage bill saw the club face bankruptcy in the aftermath of Covid-19 restrictions and in a need to cut wages, the French attacker has become an expendable asset.
However, Dembele is reportedly determined to make keeping him at Barcelona more feasible, despite being set to leave at the end of the season.
TOP STORY – DEMBELE OPEN TO BARCELONA WAGE CUT
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Ousmane Dembele is prepared to reduce his salary in order to sign a new contract at Barcelona, Sport reports.
Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko and the Barcelona board reportedly met and the assertion was made that the France international was willing to take a pay cut to continue playing under Xavi.
Return on investment has always lingered over the 24-year-old attacker following his €140million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
Dembele has provided one goal in all competitions this season for the Blaugrana, but leads the team in assists with 11 from 28 appearances.
ROUND-UP
– Roma are looking to the Premier League to bolster their squad for next season, with Granit Xhaka, Douglas Luiz and Nemanja Matic all being considered, Calciomercato reports.
– Barcelona are also keen to sign Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski but no opening bid has been made yet, per Fabrizio Romano.
– The Athletic is reporting Manchester United are considering a £50m move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
– Wayne Rooney has become to top candidate to replace the dismissed Sean Dyche at Burnley on a permanent basis, according to the Sun.
