El Mundo: Dembele concedes and his client complicates matters with an ominous request

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Barcelona are gearing up for an important week ahead, in regards to the contract extensions of the players who are facing an uncertain future at the club.

Ousmane Dembele is top on the club’s priority list, with the board keen on re-establishing talks with the explosive winger and reaching a new agreement, following his exceptional performances over the past couple of months.

The Barcelona representatives, led by Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cryuiff had held talks with Moussa Sissoko, Dembele’s agent, in Marrakech earlier this month.

The two sides weren’t able to hold negotiations over the new deal, as the meeting was largely about settling aside the differences and letting bygones be bygones.

Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on Dembele’s contract situation. The report claims Dembele’s entourage are demanding a rather ominous signing-on bonus that could make the operation far trickier for FC Barcelona.

During the talks in Marrakech, Barcelona had made it clear that the club want to keep hold of Dembele’s services but at a reduced financial packet.

The player himself is keen on continuing his spell and is even willing to make some concessions in regards to his initial demands. But his agent has clarified that the forward has no intention of staying at all costs.

In fact, Dembele’s entourage is holding out for a sizable signing bonus, if he does pen a new deal at Camp Nou. Sissoko argues his client will be a free agent in the summer, and Barcelona will, therefore, have to offer him a lucrative bonus in order to tie him down to a new contract.

The Catalans have shown no intention to meet such demands from Dembele. But there will be more clarity to this saga in the coming weeks, as the two parties meet once again, this time to hold negotiations over the new deal.