Barcelona: Ousmane Dembele ‘needs a step down’ says pundit
Barcelona are reportedly unhappy at Manchester United for the way negotiations with Ousmane Dembele are going. The France international is being eyed by the Red Devils at a time where Jadon Sancho continues to slip through their grasp. However, bringing the 23-year-old to Old Trafford will be easier said than done.
Barcelona signed Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window of 2017, believing the France international would be the dream replacement for Neymar.
However, the 23-year-old has struggled throughout his time in Catalonia with the player’s form and fitness issues refusing to go away.
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is open to letting Dembele go, with the player firmly behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati and Antoine Griezmann in the Dutchman’s pecking order.
United have emerged as potential suitors, with the Red Devils looking for alternatives to Sancho at a time where Borussia Dortmund are holding firm.
But Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo say Barcelona are unhappy with United for the way negotiations are going so far.
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It’s said that Barcelona want a permanent deal for Dembele, eager to get money in the bank that can be used on new reinforcements at a later date.
But United only want a loan and, given he’s merely an alternative to Sancho and not the real thing, they’re unwilling to change their mind.
Barcelona would like to sign United flop Memphis Depay as Dembele’s replacement, with Koeman previously managing the Lyon star at international level.
And the report suggests there could yet be a breakthrough because, if Barcelona sign Depay, then they’d be more willing to agree to a loan arrangement.
Meanwhile, speaking recently, Barcelona legend Rivaldo expressed a belief that Dembele would be a good fit for United despite his problems in Catalonia.
"I haven't spoken to him about his future. We'll see.
"I want to have happy people here, if they [players] aren’t happy because they don't play, they can speak to me.
"Dembele hasn’t told me anything. If nothing happens, I’m counting on him and he will have options [to play]."
As well as Dembele, United are trying to sign Edinson Cavani - and there’s a big expectancy the Uruguay international will arrive before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Also on their radar is Porto left-back Alex Telles but, at the current time of writing, the Brazil international looks likelier to stay.
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