Newcastle United could usher in their new era with the signing of Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele next summer.
According to Goal, the Frenchman is open to joining Newcastle as contract talks with Barcelona have stalled in recent months. Dembele’s current deal expires next season and he is set to walk away from the club as a free agent.
The report states Newcastle United are willing to offer Dembele a €15 million-a-year deal, including a €15m signing-on bonus.
The 24-year-old has failed to hit the heights expected of him since his reported £135 million move to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
Dembele’s time at the Spanish club has been plagued by injuries and he’s been limited to just 118 appearances in all competitions. The Frenchman has netted 30 goals and provided 21 assists in that period.
Despite his struggles in Spain, he remains highly sought-after, with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea also interested in his services.
Ousmane Dembele – The spark Newcastle United need?
Following their takeover by a Saudi-led consortium, Newcastle United are now the richest club in Europe and are set to begin their spending spree.
A move to Newcastle would provide Dembele with an opportunity to resurrect his career, but any potential deal hinges on the Magpies avoiding the drop this season.
Newcastle United are expected to be embroiled in a relegation scrap after a dismal start to the campaign. The Magpies are currently in 19th place and have failed to win a single game this season. They also got rid of manager Steve Bruce and it remains to be seen who they will appoint to steer them out of troubled waters.
Dembele, for his part, needs a change in scenery to rediscover his best form. The mercurial Frenchman was widely considered to be one of the most talented attackers in world football when he joined Barcelona, but never really found his feet in Spain.
He would undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to Newcastle, adding an abundance of flair and trickery that the club so desperately lacks at the moment.
When fit, Dembele is one of the most dangerous wingers in the world. His speed, dribbling ability and quick feet make him a nightmare for opposing defenders. The fact that he is equally comfortable playing with both feet makes it all the more difficult for defenders to contain him. The Frenchman’s versatility means he can also play anywhere along the frontline.
Considering he will be available for free, a deal for Dembele is an absolute no-brainer. As long as the Frenchman can stay fit, he can spearhead Newcastle’s charge to become a Premier League powerhouse.