Ronald Koeman admits Ousmane Dembele’s contract situation is “complicated” as Barcelona face a make-or-break decision over the French international.
World Cup winner Dembele has entered the final year of his contract at Camp Nou, with plenty of transfer speculation surround his future.
With Barcelona struggling financially under massive debts, and needing to offload a number of high cost stars as they seek to keep Lionel Messi, Dembele’s future has been called into question.
The Barca hierarchy are reluctant to part with Dembele given his undoubted talent, but amid their financial problems, are under pressure to either hand him a new deal, or sell.
However, with no new contract having been agreed and with Dembele again injured after suffering a knee problem during France’s Euro 2020 campaign - an issue set to delay his start to the 2021-22 season - there are few suitors lining up to pay big-money to take the 24-year-old this summer.
That is a situation which is far from ideal for the Catalan giants, but which works in Dembele’s favour if he can find his best form and prove his fitness next season; manage both, and he won’t be short of options when available on a free transfer in 2022.
Barca boss Koeman conceded on Sunday that the entire Dembele situation is far from ideal at present.
"I am very disappointed with his injury,” said Koeman to Barca TV.
"Also, the situation with his contract is complicated.
"It is a pity for himself and for us. He brought us a lot last year, different from what we have. I hope he can come back soon."
Dembele has no shortage of admirers, particularly in the Premier League.
Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have all previously spoken glowingly about the French forward, who started his injury recovery over the weekend in Paris as he aims for a November return to action.
But as it stands, there is little interest from Europe’s elite to take a risk on him this summer, which leaves Barcelona in a precarious situation as his contract counts down.
Had he been fit, then Dembele may well have been Barca's 'in case of emergency'; a late window deal sending him elsewhere would have either saved or brought in much-needed cash.
Instead, Barca are actively looking to move out others, but are finding shifting the likes of Miralem Pjanic, Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti difficult given their respective huge contracts.
That's why European rivals are becoming more emboldened at the prospect of cherry-picking some of the club's younger stars as the start of the La Liga season edges closer.
While prized possession Pedri won't be going anywhere and the club are loathe to lose Frenkie de Jong, others may well have to be sacrificed.
Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview of YOUR club - both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy
