Barcelona hope free agent will sign new contract despite long-term Liverpool interest

Barcelona president Joan Laporta hopes Ousmane Dembele will renew contract despite Liverpool interest

Liverpool target Ousmane Dembele is now a free agent, with his Barcelona contract expiring last month. The Reds have apparently been long-term suitors of the French winger.

But according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo via HITC (h/t Liverpool Echo), Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, hopes Dembele will renew his deal at Camp Nou.

Chelsea are another club strongly linked with his services but the Catalan giants believe there is a chance that Dembele stays. Barca have placed an offer in front of him- and it remains to be seen what decision he takes regarding that.

The 25-year-old is perhaps one of the most talented players on the market right now. Having the ability to play well with both his feet, the electric winger is known for his creativity down the flanks.

What should LFC do?

He was Xavi Hernandez’s chief creator in attack towards the end of last season. He was sensational this year for the Catalan giants, just before his deal expired.

That gives him leeway in any negotiations because he has reminded people what he is capable of on the football pitch. For the Reds, this could be a very, very smart signing.

Not only is he one of the best out-and-out wingers in La Liga, but is also a free agent. If he doesn’t renew his contract at Barca, the Reds can sign a world-class talent for free.

Mohamed Salah can’t play forever while Sadio Mane has already left for Bayern Munich. In that case, he could be the man to slot into our frontline seamlessly.

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But whether he would be guaranteed minutes in our current team right now is a different question. Given his status, he wouldn’t settle for any less- but Salah and Luis Diaz have done nothing wrong for them to be displaced from their starting roles.