Dembélé reacts to speculation about his future ahead of Chelsea clash

Ousmane Dembélé has reacted to speculation surrounding his future at Paris Saint-Germain after winning the Ballon d’Or, leading the club to their first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy.

The French star said that there is no reason to leave the Paris club even though he has admitted that the decision is not necessarily his to make. 

Dembélé, the current holder of the Ballon d’Or award, had an extraordinary season on an individual level, which converted into collective titles for PSG, which include Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League.

However, the 29-year-old has found it hard to replicate the form this season, which has been more or less injury-hit.

Whenever he is available, Dembélé remains a key player for Les Parisiens. The last time he started in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, Dembélé put the club 2-1 up just before halftime, before they eventually won 5-2.

According to recent reports in France, there may be difficulties with contract extension talks. The Ballon d’Or winners still have two years on their present deal with Les Parisiens. 

Since his current deal runs until 2028, Dembélé doesn’t feel he needs to discuss his future early. It is expected that both parties will discuss a new deal this summer.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the second leg tie at Stamford Bridge, Dembélé said he found no reason not to extend his deal with the club, adding that the decision doesn’t lie with him, as discussions about his contract are between his agent and the club.

“I haven’t managed that since the very start of my career,” he added.

With this comment, Dembélé has shown that he is interested in staying with PSG for the long term as the club continues to emerge as one of the forces in European club football competitions.

This should leave Luis Enrique and the club management relaxed and excited, and avoid a Kylian Mbappe-like saga.