Pranav Nair
Ronald Koeman keen to keep Manchester United target Ousmane Dembele at Barcelona
According to The Metro, Manchester United have a fight on their hands to sign Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele in the summer transfer window.
Ronald Koeman is a fan of the player and is keen to keep him at Barcelona. The Barcelona boss also played spoilsport in United’s efforts to land the player last summer.
“If it’s up to me, I would like him to stay with us.”
Dembele is, in all fairness, enjoying a good season under Koeman. He has so far made 36 appearances this campaign, scoring 10 goals and assisting four. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Dembele was the hero for Barcelona once again on Monday as the Catalans defeated Real Valladolid 1-0. The Frenchman scored the only goal on the night as they moved one point behind Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga.
“He’s shown that with his performance here [against Real Valladolid] and above all with the goal that gave us three points. Ousmane’s development this season has been really good.”
Koeman believes Dembele is continuing to develop physically and is also showing more consistency. He has also missed just five games due to injury this season, a gross improvement given his troubles in recent seasons.
“Physically, he’s improved a lot; I think that’s been the key to his quality and consistency to play so many games.”
Reaching his potential!
Still just 23, Dembele has his best years ahead of him. With his fitness improved, he has finally begun to showcase why Barcelona paid big money for him in 2017.
United considered the Frenchman as an alternative to the expensive Jadon Sancho last summer. With the right-wing still in need of reinforcements, Dembele continues to be monitored.
With his current deal at the Nou Camp set to expire next year, Barcelona may be forced to cash in on him this summer. Despite his keenness on keeping Dembele, Koeman is aware that the club could still overrule him. This could give United all the encouragement they need to push through a transfer.
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Possessing pace, skill and directness, Dembele will add a new dimension to the United attack. Bringing him in would enhance a frontline that has at times lacks inspiration.
