Transfer Rumors: $166 Million Barcelona Forward Considering Move To Newcastle United

Oft-unused Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is believed to be open to joining Newcastle United once his contract runs out in the summer of 2022.

Goal first broke the news about the French international's interest in moving to the English Premier League.

Dembele is yet to make an appearance for the club this season in any competition, mainly because the French forward is in a stand-off with Barcelona.

Barcelona has also reportedly tried their best to re-sign Dembele, but talks fell through after his agent decided not to respond to any of their proposals, ranging from two to three-year extension deals.

Newcastle United is said to be considering throwing out a lifeline worth €75 million ($87.2 million) over five years, giving Dembele around €15 million ($17.4 million) a year, if he leaves Barcelona.

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, took over the club behind a reported offer of £300 million ($414 million) a few weeks ago.

With the sudden injection of cash brought into the club, Newcastle United has been linked with many of the game’s biggest names.

Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard, Borussia Dortmund standout Erling Haaland and longtime Barcelona player Philippe Coutinho have all been rumored to be on Newcastle United’s transfer wish list.

As for Dembele, the forward was acquired by Barcelona after a transfer bid of €105 million ($122.1 million) plus add-ons believed to be around €40 million ($46.5 million) in August 2017.

Injury has severely limited the then highly-lauded striker since arriving at Camp Nou, limiting him to just 118 games and 30 goals across all competitions.

However, Barcelona is in a dire financial situation thanks to the global pandemic and may not be willing to risk a free transfer in the summer of 2022.

This could mean that Barcelona may need to cut their losses on Dembele and offer him up to a club willing to pay him in the upcoming mid-season transfer window.

The Magpies are staring at relegation this season after starting their season with three draws, five losses and no wins.

Should Newcastle United be able to capture Dembele and other big-name players from their clubs, it would not be surprising to see the Magpies have a sense of consistency moving forward.