PSG face contract dilemma with Ousmane Dembélé as talks stall
Paris Saint-Germain and forward Ousmane Dembélé are struggling to reach an agreement over a new contract, according to a report from French newspaper L'Équipe. The 28-year-old World Cup winner's current deal runs until 2028, but discussions over an extension have reportedly hit complications, casting doubt over his long-term future at the Parc des Princes.
The core issue revolves around the player's substantial earnings, reported to be a gross monthly salary of €1.5 million, and his inconsistent availability due to recurrent fitness problems. While Dembélé has produced moments of brilliance this season, the club's hierarchy is said to be weighing the value of a major financial commitment against his physical fragility. The negotiations come at a time when PSG are also prioritizing new deals for younger talents Senny Mayulu and Bradley Barcola.
Dembélé arrived at PSG from Barcelona in 2023 and initially operated in the shadow of Kylian Mbappé. Following Mbappé's departure to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, the winger assumed a leading role in Luis Enrique's attack. He enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 campaign, scoring 35 goals and providing 14 assists in 53 appearances, a contribution that was instrumental in PSG's run to their maiden Champions League title last May. That form also saw him crowned the Ballon d'Or winner for 2025.
However, the current season has been disrupted by injuries, first to his hamstring and later his calf, limiting his influence. His performances have become emblematic of his career: capable of sublime, match-winning moments but equally prone to frustrating inconsistency. This was evident in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool, where he missed clear chances despite PSG securing a victory.
The club's ability to win during his absences and off-days has demonstrated the squad's reduced dependence on him, potentially easing pressure on both parties during the talks. In January, PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi publicly praised Dembélé, calling him a "club legend" and a "magnificent person," but also stressed the existence of a salary cap, indicating financial parameters are firm.
According to L'Équipe, Dembélé himself has indicated that an extension is merely a matter of timing. Yet the outcome of PSG's season, which continues with a decisive Champions League quarter-final second leg at Liverpool, could be a significant factor. An early European exit might accelerate a perceived need for renewal for both player and club, while a deep run could incentivise PSG to secure his services long-term.
With his contract still having several years to run, there is no immediate pressure to force a sale. However, the stalled talks highlight a strategic crossroads. For Dembélé, whose mercurial talent has attracted past interest from the Premier League and could draw future interest from lucrative markets like Saudi Arabia, the coming months will define whether his Parisian story continues or reaches a natural conclusion.
