Ousmane Dembélé’s Future Uncertain Amid Saudi Pro League Interest

omidbasir- The Saudi Pro League has successfully attracted several prominent players to the Middle East, including superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, Neymar, and Sadio Mané. Ousmane Dembélé has now emerged as a potential high-profile target, with preliminary inquiries regarding a possible summer transfer already initiated, according to Sky Sports News.

Currently, Dembélé is dedicated to his season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and will shift focus to the World Cup this summer. The France international has expressed his ambition to achieve success in North America, stating to CNN, “We know what it takes to go all the way and we’re going to try to do everything to bring the trophy home. We’ve been discussing this World Cup for a long time now, and I believe we will be ready for the occasion.”

However, Dembélé’s future is likely to be a topic of discussion following the tournament, particularly as he will have only two years remaining on his current contract with PSG at that time.

Kaveh Solhekol from Sky Sports News has weighed in on the speculation, noting, “If this transfer occurs, it would represent the most significant deal for Saudi Arabia since the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. Saudi Pro League clubs are preparing for an active summer transfer window, and Dembélé is on their radar. While it may seem like a long shot, the football landscape in Saudi Arabia is evolving. Historically, clubs were largely funded and controlled by the state, but now there is a shift towards attracting private investment. This means that clubs may not solely depend on state funds for big-name transfers, but private investors may also seek to sign players. Whether Dembélé would consider a move to Saudi Arabia while at the height of his career remains to be seen.”

This season, Dembélé’s future has been under scrutiny amid rumors regarding his desire for a substantial pay increase following his Ballon d’Or victory. PSG manager Luis Enrique has dismissed claims that Dembélé has rejected a new contract offer, while club president Nasser Al Khelaifi has emphasized the importance of adhering to the club’s wage structure. He stated, “The club’s policy includes a salary cap for players, as everyone knows. It is essential that this is respected. The team and the club take precedence over any individual.”

Dembélé and PSG enjoyed a successful previous season, clinching four trophies, including their first Champions League title. However, they have faced challenges in maintaining top form this season. The team is set to compete against Newcastle in their final Champions League group stage match at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, aiming for a top-eight finish to secure automatic qualification for the round of 16. Dembélé, who has recently recovered from a hamstring injury, is expected to start the match and has contributed three goals and two assists in five appearances this month.