Pranav Nair
Barcelona expect Manchester United to cool their interest in Ousmane Dembele
French international Ousmane Dembele is a player who has been on the Manchester United radar for some time now. The Barcelona star is on his day a world-beater and has the ability to change the course of a game singlehandedly.
The 24-year-old’s journey at the Euros was cut short after he picked up a knee injury in the group stage clash against Hungary. He will now spend four months on the sidelines leading up to the 2021/22 season.
This comes as no surprise given his long and arduous injury history. Dembele has suffered from a number of setbacks since joining Barcelona and has missed 86 games for the Catalans. In contrast, he has made 118 appearances for them in the same timeframe. (h/t Transfermarkt)
According to Spanish publication Sport (h/t The Express), Barcelona are now worried that Dembele’s new setback will discourage United from making their move for the player this summer.
The Frenchman was seen as an alternative to Jadon Sancho. With a move for the English ace nearing completion, the chances of us securing Dembele is debatable. It is fair to say that the new injury makes it all the more doubtful.
Dembele remains a key cog in Ronald Koeman’s plans at Barcelona. The Catalans have already signed Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay ahead of the new campaign. Despite having his manager’s trust, Dembele’s physical fragility makes him an expensive trump card.
Barcelona are also in a difficult situation regarding the player’s contract. With just a year to go on his current deal, the Catalans are keen to cash in this summer. It is fair to say that the injury has thrown cold water over those plans.
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At 24, Dembele will be an excellent signing and is of the right profile age-wise and ability-wise. In fact, he would be a very promising signing if we can get him for free next summer. For now, it is fair to say that we have little reason to sign him up.
