Rijo Sam Daniel
United suffer blow as Joan Laporta claims that Dembele wants to stay at Barcelona
Speaking to the Spanish news outlet Sport (h/t Sports Mole), Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, has revealed that Ousmane Dembele wants to stay at the club dealing a blow to his suitors, Manchester United. He followed up by saying that talks have been taking place as they consider Dembele a valuable asset.
The winger’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2022 meaning he can walk away free next season. It also means that he can have a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January should he decide to leave.
Injuries have plagued the French national throughout his career at Barca. As a result, he still has not been able to find a footing for the Catalan giants. The 24-year-old is currently out due to a knee injury he suffered in France’s 1-1 draw to Hungary.
“There is a very good relationship with [Dembele and] we are talking with his representative. Ousmane wants to stay. He is a player that interests us a lot. Him being able to play will be essential for the team to improve. The coach thinks so.”
The Barca forward has been linked to several clubs as clubs look to snatch him up on a free transfer. United, Liverpool and Juventus are said to be the clubs that are interested in getting his signature.
The Blaugrana player is back in training following his knee injury as he could be involved in some manner in the game against Valencia. However, with his injury history, the club may decide to take it safe and slowly integrate him into the team.
More Manchester United news
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expresses his views on the availability of Fred and Edinson Cavani for the Leicester City and Atalanta fixtures
- Manchester United ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be available to face Atalanta in the UCL after his ban was reduced to one game
- Cristiano Ronaldo has made his intentions regarding game-time clear to Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Following his move from Borussia Dortmund, the World Cup winner has gone on to score 30 goals and provided 21 assists in 118 appearances. He would be hoping to get his form and fitness back as the Qatar 2022 World Cup draws near.
