Barcelona contact star's agent to set up contract talks - Reports

Barcelona have gotten in touch with Ousmane Dembele’s agent with the intention of extending the Frenchman’s contract, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported. It's believed that the club have asked the representative to set up a meeting where an extension will be discussed.

Last January, the €145 million forward turned down multiple renewal offers from Barcelona as he wished to leave in the summer. The two parties publicly fell out initally, but thanks to Xavi’s intervention, Dembele turned his fortunes around.

Last summer, Dembele signed a two-year contract with the Blaugrana, which, according to Football Espana, contained a meager €50 million release clause. With the player’s contract expiring next summer (2024), Barcelona have already started plotting an extension.

According to the aforementioned report, the Blaugrana have already taken the first step by getting in touch with Dembele’s agent. They have asked him to put the wheels of a possible extension in motion.

Dembele, 25, has age on his side and has been in excellent form this season. The former Borussia Dortmund winger has featured in 28 games this season across competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.

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Barcelona star Raphinha repays Xavi’s faith with excellent display against Real Betis

La Liga leaders Barcelona spent €58 million to sign Raphinha from Leeds United. The Brazil international has shown promise intermittently but has struggled for consistency.

Ahead of the clash against Real Betis on Wednesday (February 1), Barcelona boss Xavi was asked about Raphinha’s underwhelming form. The Spaniard replied that the former Leeds man has put up respectable numbers and reiterated his faith in him.

He said (via Barca Blaugranes):

“It’s like the team in general; we need to create mote chances, be braver, more decisive in the final third not just Raphinha. We are missing that in general. Raphinha is very important. I have a lot of confidence in him. I have a lot of faith that he will continue to make a difference. He’s a player who I think has four goals and 8 assists; they are not bad numbers at all.”

Xavi’s pep talk seemingly did wonders for Raphinha, who emerged as one of Barcelona’s best players in their 2-1 win over Real Betis.

In the 65th minute, he connected with Alex Balde’s cross into the box to turn it in from close range. Raphinha also created a chance, won six duels, made six recoveries and completed a cross.