Pranav Nair
Manchester United closing in on Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele
According to Spanish publication AS (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United are closing in on Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
The Red Devils have so far endured a difficult transfer window, with Donny van de Beek the only major signing.
United are keen on bringing in Jadon Sancho. However, they have been unable to reach an agreement with Borussia Dortmund.
With time running out, the club have now turned their attention to Dembele. The French star will cost us up to £55m, considerably lower than what Dortmund are seeking for Sancho.
Barcelona are keen to bring in Memphis Depay from Lyon. The former United star has rebuilt his reputation in Ligue 1 and could join Ronald Koeman at the Nou Camp.
However, financial difficulties have prevented Barcelona from signing the Dutchman. Selling Dembele to United will clearly see them gain the resources to land Depay.
With time running out before the window shuts, it is now or never for United. The Red Devils have looked far from convincing so far, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskajer desperate to bring in an attacker.
If the deal goes through, it will see Barcelona take a massive hit on a player they signed for £130million three years ago. An intimidating player on his day, Dembele has struggled with injuries at the Nou Camp.
Turning up late for training on Monday would have done little to earn him Koeman’s trust. The Dutchman has favoured the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Ansu Fati and Antoine Griezmann of late, which could see Dembele slip down the pecking order.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United are keen on bringing in Ousmane Dembele on loan. The player too had earlier dismissed the interest from Liverpool and Juventus. Whether United can convince him otherwise remains to be seen.
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While there is no doubting his ability, Dembele’s injury history and lack of discipline are worrying aspects. Going for such a player especially this late in the window comes with a smack of desperation.
It will be interesting to see how Solskjaer makes use of him if he does indeed end up at United.
