Bayern Munich Tell FC Barcelona They Will Pay Ousmane Dembele Release Clause: Reports

Bayern Munich have told FC Barcelona they will pay Ousmane Demebele’s release clause, according to El Nacional.

The Frenchman signed a new contract until June 30, 2024 last year, after it previously appeared as though he would flee Camp Nou on a free transfer after five seasons at his current club.

Dembele and his agent Moussa Sissoko came out second best when playing hardball at the negotiation table with president Joan Laporta and sporting director Mateu Alemany.

The player’s salary was reduced, but they did score a significant victory in renewal talks by getting a paltry €50 million ($55 million) release clause inserted into the fresh terms, of which they can pocket half.

The clause can only be terminated this summer, putting a number of clubs such as Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain on alert.

According to El Nacional, however, Bayern Munich are ready to solidify their interest and pay what it takes to get the ambidextrous winger out of his contract for a reunion with former Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, who now manages the Bavarians.

Bayern are ready to get rid of their veterans, and amid Sadio Mane also underperforming since joining from Liverpool, Dembele would be a fresh of breath air on either flank for the Bundesliga giants.

Though Dembele would likely love to play under Tuchel once more, getting him to give his “OK” to joining Bayern is another thing entirely.

The World Cup winner has often stated he is happy in Catalonia, and owes a lot to Xavi for taking him under his wing when many wanted Dembele sent to the stands for not renewing right away.

Xavi instead put his trust in Dembele and turned him into one of the best widemen in Europe. The 25-year-old is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to providing assists, and is worthy of sitting at the same table as Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi in this facet of the game.

Should Dembele have a change of heart, however, Barca have nobody to blame but themselves for agreeing on such a low release cause.

That being said, it is better to pocket €50 million ($55 million) and recoup around half of the initial €105 million ($115 million) they paid for him in 2017 than miss out completely and see him walk for free a year from now.