Why Barcelona is Really Blocking Dembélé’s Transfer to PSG

Ousmane Dembélé had to urgently return to Barcelona on Sunday while he was in Paris: L’Equipe explains the reasons behind Barcelona’s blockade.

Ousmane Dembélé is set to join Paris Saint-Germain. The question remains, when? His transfer, which is expected to be completed using his release clause of 50 million euros (half of which would go to the player), is currently blocked.

The player had to resume training with FC Barcelona on Sunday. Why? Not due to administrative delays, but because the Spanish club is deliberately prolonging the transfer process. According to L’Équipe this morning, financial issues are prompting the club to delay the finalization of the agreement, in hopes of maximizing potential gains.

“From the Spanish side, they justify this delay with administrative reasons. Hindered by La Liga’s financial fair play, Barcelona is facing a deficit of 60 million euros in its viability plan, due to an unpaid amount from the sale of 49% of Barça Studio (the club’s platform for creating video and audio content) last summer,” states L’Equipe.

“To make up for this, the Blaugrana management is currently negotiating with a German company to rearrange the distribution of shares and recover this amount in order to no longer exceed the salary cap imposed by Javier Tebas’ institution. The goal? To be able to use 100% of the sum freed up (transfer and salary) by Dembélé’s departure, as opposed to a maximum of 60% when the cap is exceeded.”