PSG paid Neymar Jr.’s release clause of €222 million in 2018 to sign the tricky-feet Brazilian from Barcelona, making him the world’s most expensive player. Although Barcelona had enough to spend, selling clubs started taking advantage of the situation and overpriced their players. Cue Ousmane Dembele from Dortmund to Barca.
Pretty much everyone involved with the club criticized Ousmane Dembele’s move to Barca in 2017. Paying over €100 million for a young player who had only scored six goals for Borussia Dortmund at the time seemed unwise. The club also spent almost the same amount on Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool. The Brazilian was shipped back to England after five years at the club that only yielded 25 goals in 106 appearances.
Ousmane Dembele’s Barca career has been a disaster, and he may be on his way out of the club this summer.
Ousmane Dembele agrees to personal terms with PSG
Ousmane Dembele’s time at Barcelona may be coming to an end after Fabrizio Romano reported earlier that PSG is closing in on the French star. Pretty much everyone at Barcelona was reportedly confident the former Rennes star would sign a new contract with the club and remain beyond this summer. However, PSG has swooped in and may activate the winger’s release clause today, as it’s only valid until midnight.
BREAKING: Ousmane Dembélé says yes to Paris Saint-Germain! Initial green light to the proposal has arrived 🚨🔴🔵
PSG verbally agreed five year deal with Dembélé’s agent.
PSG have sent formal letter to inform Barcelona, now trying best way to close the deal — depends on timing. pic.twitter.com/a0EE3iMEtf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2023
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Barca star has verbally agreed to personal terms with the French club on a five-year deal. PSG have sent a formal letter to Barcelona, informing them of their decision to activate the player’s release clause. This could bring an end to Ousmane Dembele’s six-year stint with Barca. Camp Nou will hope to move on from this disappointment as they haven’t been able to get the best out of their star winger.
Although the Spanish giants have been linked with a move for Kylian Mbappe, Sergi Roberto has played down the possibility of this move, admitting that it would be a dream to have the Frenchman at the club.
Can Ousmane Dembele match Kylian Mbappe’s goal output at PSG?
With PSG reportedly ready to let go of Mbappe following his refusal to sign a contract renewal at the club, Ousmane Dembele has been identified as the player to replace him. However, the former Borussia Dortmund player has never been a prolific goalscorer despite always flattering to deceive. Kylian Mbappe has 212 goals for PSG, and it is hard to picture Dembele matching this number.
PSG probably should invest in another prolific goalscorer should they want numbers close to Mbappe’s goal-scoring prowess.
Will Mbappe stay at PSG beyond this summer? Let us know your opinion!