With the 2021/22 season almost over, Barcelona are making plans for the summer transfer window as they look to build a formidable squad for the upcoming campaign.
While new players are expected to arrive, question marks remain over the future of some of the stars already at the club. Ousmane Dembele is one of those key men who could be set to exit at the end of the season.
Despite ongoing contract negotiations, the 24-year-old is yet to reach an agreement with the Blaugranathe claims of one of its representatives proving to be a stumbling block in the negotiations.
So, with his contract expiring at the end of the season and an extension not yet signed, there is a chance that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner will end up leaving on a Bosman contract.
Barcelona have identified Leeds United winger Raphinha as a priority target on the right flank and plan to sign him whether Dembele stays or leaves.
However, in case of departure, they would need another player in the position. And journalist Santi Ovalle reports that Barcelona would consider signing Adama Traore in a permanent deal in such a case, albeit in a deal worth around €10-15m.
The 26-year-old Spain international returned to Camp Nou in January on loan from Wolves. the Blaugrana have the option of signing the winger permanently for a fee of €30m but are unwilling to shell out that sum for the La Masia product.
Traore’s contract with Wolves expires in 2023, meaning he would enter the final year of his contract with the club this summer. Thus, Barca are said to be open to the prospect of signing him on a permanent deal, provided the asking price is around €10-15m.
However, any decision would depend on how the contract negotiations with Dembele progress in the coming weeks.
