Man United: Dembele transfer ‘risk worth taking’ says pundit
Manchester United continue to be linked with a move for Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele. The France international’s contract at the Nou Camp is due to expire at the end of the season, meaning the La Liga giants may try and offload him in January in order to avoid losing the winger for nothing. With United interested, a swap deal could suit everybody involved.
Barcelona spent big on Dembele back in the summer transfer window of 2017, shortly after Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the France international has never lived up to expectations at the Nou Camp - struggling for consistency and fitness throughout his entire spell there.
Barcelona do want to keep Dembele but a report from Sport has claimed United have made a ‘firm proposal’ to try and win the race for the player.
They face competition from Juventus yet, given their bloated squad, may have some aces up their sleeve.
So Express Sport will now take a look at three players United could use to try and convince Barcelona into letting Dembele go next month.
Man Utd are keen on Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele (Image: GETTY)
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And though Sevilla have been strongly linked over the past week, Barcelona have been tipped to snap him up in the past.
With Martial never coming close to being the player Louis van Gaal thought he would be, United would be shrewd to offer him to Barcelona in order to secure Dembele’s arrival.
It would give Martial a chance to show he can play at the highest level, albeit in sunny Spain rather than rainy England.
And it would provide Barcelona with another reason to let Dembele go.
Man Utd could use Edinson Cavani or Anthony Martial to sign Ousmane Dembele (Image: GETTY)
Donny van de Beek
United paid £40million for Donny van de Beek back in the summer transfer window of 2020.
However, with just four Premier League starts under his belt, the Red Devils may have to accept a drastically reduced fee to let him go.
With every game that passes, Van de Beek’s value drops due to the fact he’s often forced to watch on from the sidelines.
Therefore, using him in a swap deal with Barcelona for Dembele could be the way to go.
It would save United from the embarrassment of having to accept a reduced price for a player who, quite simply, has been a major disappointment since his move.
Man Utd may consider using Donny van de Beek in Ousmane Dembele swap deal (Image: GETTY)
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What Laporta has said about Dembele
Speaking earlier in the season, Joan Laporta admitted he wanted Dembele to stay at Barcelona.
“The relationship with Ousmane is very good, he feels loved and we want him to stay,” he said.
“He’s told me that he’s really looking forward to playing again and wearing Barcelona’s shirt.
“With everyone’s work, we’ll get this player, who has a lot of quality, back playing and playing consistently.
“Hopefully the bad moments won’t be back.
“There’s a plan at the club for Ousmane to show his talent and quality.”