Ballon d’Or winner is said to be demanding a pay rise that would double his current salary
Paris Saint-Germain face a potential contract standoff with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, with the French forward reportedly poised to turn down the club’s latest salary proposal as talks over a renewal continue without resolution.
Reports suggest the 28-year-old is holding out for a significantly higher wage than offered, leaving his long-term future in Paris in doubt.
Dembélé’s current contract at PSG runs until June 2028, but negotiations over an extension appear to be at an impasse. According to Foot Mercato, PSG’s opening proposal is worth about €30 million per year, a figure widely regarded as generous in Ligue 1 but seemingly well below what the forward’s representatives are demanding.
Dembélé is reportedly seeking close to double that amount, reflecting his status as one of world football’s top players following a standout season.
The France international enjoyed the most successful 12 months of his career in 2024-25, culminating in winning the Ballon d’Or, FIFA Best Player award and playing a pivotal role as PSG secured their first Champions League title.
That individual and collective success has strengthened his bargaining position in contract discussions.
Ce n’est plus un rêve… Champions d’Europe !!! 💥🙌🏿 On écrit l’histoire ensemble, ALLEZ PARIS !!! 🏆❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/vZLytKHf3C
— Ousmane Dembélé (@dembouz) May 31, 2025
Contract talks and PSG’s stance
Negotiations between PSG and Dembélé are understood to have been ongoing for several months, but sources familiar with the matter say there is “no agreement” at this stage on a new deal.
Journalist Loïc Tanzi noted that the club’s initial offers have failed to satisfy the forward, who “wants a salary that reflects what he is today: a player who has won the Ballon d’Or.”
Despite these reports, PSG head coach Luis Enrique has publicly played down the contract drama. Speaking ahead of a Coupe de France clash, Enrique described much of the speculation as “rumours” and “fake-news,” suggesting that formal negotiations are private and not a distraction for the squad. “It’s normal to have negotiations… but it remains private,” he said.
The wage dispute comes at a time when PSG are trying to balance maintaining a competitive squad with financial discipline. The club have begun extension talks with several key players, but remain cautious about inflating their fixed salary commitments.
Some observers note that PSG’s approach in recent seasons has favoured variable bonuses over high base salaries, a strategy that previously saw them lose goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to Manchester City.
Should Dembélé and PSG fail to bridge the gap on wages, the forward could be tempted to explore other options in the coming transfer windows. His combination of elite individual accolades, Champions League experience and attacking versatility would make him an attractive target for several top clubs across Europe.
For now, there is no immediate worry that an agreement will not be reached. Despite neither side ready to concede ground, Dembélé has rediscovered his best form with the Parisians and it is hard to see the two parties failing to come to an accord.