Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Manchester United leading the race to sign Ousmane Dembele
According to the transfer news section of the Italian publication, Calciomercato, Manchester United are in the pole position to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
The 23-year-old joined Barcelona in 2017 to much fanfare but has failed to enjoy a consistent bout of results. Both injuries and inconsistency have seen him struggle to showcase his best at times.
When on song, the Frenchman has the makings of a world-beater who could become an overwhelming force in the attack. With his injury problems apparently behind him, it remaining to be seen if he can kickstart what could be a special career.
Dembele’s contract at Barcelona expires in 2022. With a renewal yet to be signed, his situation has drawn attention from the likes of Juventus. The Turin giants are eyeing the 23-year-old as a replacement for Paulo Dybala.
While Barcelona are keen to keep hold of him, they are struggling to meet the player’s demands for a new contract. The longer the impasse continues, the more chances other teams have of swooping in for him.
Despite Juventus’ interest, United continue to lead the race for the player. We have been interested in Dembele for some time now, and came close to landing him last summer. The club continues to be interested and is in touch with the player’s camp.
A game-changing addition?
Despite Daniel James’ resurgence, United do lack an overwhelming force on the right-wing. While Jadon Sancho continues to be on the club’s radar, we cannot afford to put all our eggs in one basket.
Dembele is a realistic option who could go on to develop into one of the best in the world.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta and manager Ronald Koeman are both keen to keep the player at the club. However, their leverage gets weaker the closer Demebele nears the final year of his contract. Whether this will force their hand remains to be seen.
Dembele has scored nine goals and four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season. (h/t Transfermarkt)
