Catalan outlet El Nacional have reported that Liverpool are interested and pushing to sign Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele next summer. The Frenchman is out of contract next summer and the Reds are looking to grab the opportunity and sign him for free.
Liverpool are prepared to offer the French world cup winner a €20 million signing bonus, alongside that more salary than what Barcelona are currently offering. Meanwhile, Barcelona are still in massive debt and are only able to offer Dembele a pay-to-play contract, which is highly based on appearances.
But the new Barcelona manager Xavi will try his best to keep Dembele at the club. According to reports, Xavi sees Dembele as an essential part of his plans for the present and the future of the club. However, Liverpool’s interest intensifies, Barcelona fans are fearful that they will lose yet another star player on a free transfer following Lionel Messi’s departure.
Barcelona paid a fee close to €150M to get Ousmane Dembele from Dortmund as he was considered one of the brightest prospects in the world at that time. The Catalans signed him to replace Neymar who transferred to PSG. But since his arrival at Camp Nou, Dembele has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch.
Constant injuries have hindered Dembele from making a massive impact at Barcelona. Dembele missed the start of the season with a knee injury. While after playing for just 25 minutes in his return match, he has again picked up a hamstring injury. However, despite the injury record of the forward Xavi is certain that Dembele can help the squad.
Should Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp make a move for Ousmane Dembele?
The forward trio of Liverpool consisting of, Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino, are all nearing their 30s. Following this, it would be a sensible signing to have Dembele as a quality backup.
Despite the injury record of the French forward, there is no doubt about the abilities and attributes of Dembele. While Klopp and Liverpool believe that Dembele can have the same instant impact just like Diogo Jota.
Liverpool are reportedly offering a €20 million signing bonus to Dembele. While the Frenchman will be offered a higher wage than what Barcelona are offering him for a contract extension. Following this, it looks like a good deal for Dembele, who can start contacting any club from January.
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