Tag: Moussa Dembele

  • 26-year-old Manchester United target ‘will leave’ Lyon as a free agent, says Fabrizio Romano

    26-year-old Manchester United target ‘will leave’ Lyon as a free agent, says Fabrizio Romano

    Manchester United target Moussa Dembele set to leave Lyon in the summer and become a free agent

    According to a tweet from Fabrizio Romano (h/t Mirror), Manchester United target Moussa Dembele is set to leave Lyon as a free agent at the end of this season.

    The report states that a host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Frenchman, who has been with Lyon since the summer of 2018.

    The former Paris-Saint Germain striker has had a spell on loan at Atletico Madrid in 2021 for six months. He was a fantastic servant for Scottish giants Celtic, scoring 51 goals in 94 appearances, before moving to Lyon five years ago.

    https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1650055155386318849

    Dembele has struggled for regular minutes this season. Although he has made 27 appearances in all competitions, he has amassed a total of only 1041 minutes, scoring three goals and assisting one.

    The 26-year-old was exceptional for them last season though, scoring 21 goals in 30 league games. This season, former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has played more often than not as a lone number nine.

    For a striker who is entering the peak stage of his career, Dembele already boasts an incredible experience of doing well in most teams he has played for thus far.

    Manchester United 'showing interest' in Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
    Manchester United target Moussa Dembele to leave Lyon as a free agent in the summer. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)

    United boss Erik ten Hag has made it clear that the club needs to sign a striker in the summer. The Dutchman feels that there is a need for a player that can finish off the chances created.

    While the requirement of the squad is correct, signing Dembele may not solve the issue. United should look to get someone like Harry Kane, who has already been earmarked as the primary target by ten Hag.

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    With Tottenham Hotspur unlikely to finish in the top four, their hand in the summer could be weakened if the player wants to leave.

  • Manchester United revive interest in Ligue 1 striker with Premier League experience

    Manchester United revive interest in Ligue 1 striker with Premier League experience

    Olympique Lyon striker Moussa Dembele attracting ‘revived interest’ from Manchester United

    Moussa Dembele, who plays for Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyon, is attracting ‘revived interest’ from Manchester United, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Manchester Evening News).

    The French national has previously been linked with a move to the Red Devils. Now, the forward has just around three months left on his current contract with Les Gones.

    As a result, the 26-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the season if he does not put pen to paper on a new deal. But it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford side will pursue his signature in the coming months.

    Olympique Lyon striker Moussa Dembele attracting 'revived interest' from Manchester United.
    Manchester United are interested in Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele. (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

    Dembele made his way through the youth ranks at Fulham. After establishing himself in the Championship with the Cottagers, the French national moved to Celtic in the summer of 2016.

    In Scotland, the striker enjoyed a mixed spell with the Glasgow-based club. Subsequently, after two seasons with the Bhoys, the 26-year-old moved to Lyon.

    With Les Gones, Dembele has once again been inconsistent. After struggling at the Ligue 1 outfit, the forward joined Atletico on a short-term loan in 2021. However, the forward did not do much in Spain and returned to the Groupama Stadium side.

    Olympique Lyon striker Moussa Dembele attracting 'revived interest' from Manchester United.
    Will Manchester United pursue Moussa Dembele’s signature as a free agent? (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

    Last term, Dembele had one of his best campaigns at Lyon. However, this season, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net just three times in 25 appearances in all competitions.

    At the moment, United have just two natural number nines in the squad in Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst. The former AS Monaco star has been on the sidelines for most of the campaign, while the Burnley loanee is on a short-term deal at the club.

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    Therefore, we evidently need to add strength in depth up top. Dembele is still in his prime physical years. In order to reinforce the striking department, the French national could be a wise option on a free transfer.

  • 26-year-old Lyon star on Manchester United’s radar set to become free agent

    26-year-old Lyon star on Manchester United’s radar set to become free agent

    Olympique Lyon star and Manchester United-linked striker Moussa Dembele set to become free agent

    Manchester United-linked Moussa Dembele ‘will leave’ Olympique Lyon at the end of the season, with his current contract expiring, according to Sky Sports in Germany (h/t Daily Record).

    The French national is set to become a free agent next summer as his deal at the Ligue 1 outfit comes to a conclusion. In the coming months, the 26-year-old will not extend his stay with Les Gones and will part ways with them.

    Over the years, Dembele has attracted interest from various clubs. He is being monitored by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid. Premier League strugglers Everton and Southampton are also eyeing the striker.

    Manchester United-linked Moussa Dembele is set to leave Olympique Lyon at the end of the season.
    Manchester United-linked Moussa Dembele is set to leave Olympique Lyon at the end of the season. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)

    Along with the Red Devils, the 26-year-old’s name has also been associated with Barcelona. The French national’s existing salary at Lyon is €3 million a year.

    Dembele made his way through the youth ranks at Paris Saint-Germain. At the age of 16 in 2012, he signed for Fulham. After impressing in the Championship, Celtic came calling for the French national.

    Then, in the summer of 2018, the 26-year-old moved to the Groupama Stadium side. However, the striker has had a mixed spell with Les Gones over the years. He also spent a few months on loan at Atletico in 2021.

    https://twitter.com/MDembele_10/status/1600597950350168082?s=20

    Dembele has been underwhelming in the current campaign. The 26-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Lyon, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

    United have Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst as the only two natural strikers in the squad. Unfortunately, the former AS Monaco star has been injured for most of this term. As a result, Erik ten Hag has had to rely on the Holland international up front.

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    We evidently need to strengthen the number nine position. However, Dembele has not been good enough over the last few months. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford side will pursue his signature.

  • Manchester United rekindle interest in 26-year-old Ligue 1 marksman

    Manchester United rekindle interest in 26-year-old Ligue 1 marksman

    Manchester United ‘showing interest’ in Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele

    Manchester United are ‘showing interest’ in Olympique Lyon star Moussa Dembele as the French side look to cash in on him, according to Foot Mercato (h/t Mirror).

    The 26-year-old is on the Red Devils’ radar as we look to reignite our interest in him. In the summer of 2022, the Old Trafford side were linked with a move for the France U21 international.

    Dembele’s current contract with Les Gones is set to expire at the end of the season. As a result, the Ligue 1 outfit are considering selling the striker in the upcoming transfer window.

    Manchester United 'showing interest' in Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
    Manchester United have reignited their interest in Olympique Lyon star Moussa Dembele. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

    United lost a number of players in the summer of 2022. Edinson Cavani was one of the departures from the club. The Uruguayan’s exit depleted the strength in depth up top for the Red Devils.

    However, the Old Trafford side bolstered the front line with the addition of a winger in Antony. While the Brazilian has had a quick start to life in Manchester, we evidently needed to add reinforcements for the number nine position.

    Now, with Cristiano Ronaldo deciding to cut short his stay at United, Erik ten Hag only has one natural striker at his disposal in Anthony Martial. Unfortunately, the 27-year-old has been on the sidelines for most of the campaign.

    https://twitter.com/MDembele_10/status/1600597950350168082?s=20&t=KtiXBzT8lfWZkI2Y_QYEGw

    Marcus Rashford has been deployed by the Dutch manager as the striker a lot this season. The England international has done well as the talisman. However, he is being played out of position.

    Thus, it would be wise for United to bring in another centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window. Martial and Rashford are seemingly not enough for the rest of the season.

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    Dembele is an experienced pro who has plied his trade in the Championship with Fulham, in Scotland with Celtic and has been the leading man at Lyon for several years. But it will be interesting to see whether the Red Devils end up getting him.

  • Transfer News: Erik ten Hag prefers three other strikers over Joao Felix for Manchester United

    Transfer News: Erik ten Hag prefers three other strikers over Joao Felix for Manchester United

    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag prefers Patrick Schick and two others over Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag prefers to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Patrick Schick and two other forwards over Atletico Madrid youngster Joao Felix, according to the Mirror.

    LOSC Lille superstar Jonathan David and Olympique Lyon striker Moussa Dembele are the other names ahead of the Portugal international, who is currently in the Spanish capital.

    The Dutch manager wants an attacking player who can get him goals consistently. Ten Hag wants a traditional number nine rather than someone of Felix’s ilk, capable of playing in multiple positions.

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag prefers Patrick Schick, Jonathan David and Moussa Dembele over Joao Felix.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag prefers Patrick Schick, Jonathan David and Moussa Dembele over Joao Felix. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO CANAS/AFP via Getty Images)

    United are currently looking for reinforcements for the forward line. It has become essential since Cristiano Ronaldo stormed off against Tottenham Hotspur and was consequently suspended for the Chelsea fixture. The 37-year-old’s future in Manchester is uncertain.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has had to settle for a role as a substitute under the former Ajax head coach. In the Premier League, the Portugal international has started just two games this term.

    Ronaldo’s compatriot, Felix, was seen as an option for the Old Trafford side. The 22-year-old has had his struggles at Atletico under Diego Simeone since signing from SL Benfica in 2019.

    Erik ten Hag wants a traditional number nine.
    Erik ten Hag wants a traditional number nine. (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images)

    However, it seems Ten Hag has other plans for what he wants. Currently, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are the preferred choices up front when they are available.

    Unfortunately, the former AS Monaco star has had issues with fitness in the current campaign and has not featured in many games. On the other hand, fans feel the England international has not been clinical enough as our striker.

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    Thus, supporters want the club to sign a clinical centre forward. However, it remains to be seen who amongst Schick, David and Dembele can be enticed in the upcoming transfer windows.

  • Report: Manchester United still keeping tabs on 26-year-old star playing in France

    Report: Manchester United still keeping tabs on 26-year-old star playing in France

    Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele still being considered by Manchester United

    Manchester United are still contemplating the signing of Moussa Dembele from Olympique Lyon, according to Manchester Evening News.

    The Red Devils are still in contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives for a move to Manchester in the final weeks of the transfer window. United have had an eye on the France U21 international for some time now.

    Dembele has a year left on his current contract with the Ligue 1 outfit. Several clubs are seemingly interested in the 26-year-old’s signature. The centre-forward has rejected the advances of Everton and Villarreal this summer.

    Manchester United are still considering a move for Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
    Manchester United are still considering a move for Olympique Lyon forward Moussa Dembele. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)

    Lyon want players in the final year of their contract to tie down their futures with the club or be sold. However, Dembele isn’t keen on leaving unless the right opportunity arises.

    United have evidently had issues up front for some time now. In the previous campaign, our forward line performed below par. The only player to make a considerable impact was Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The other attacking options were lacklustre and lacked creativity and penetration up front. Goalscoring nous seemed to have been missing from most of our players last season.

    Moussa Dembele is a decent centre-forward.
    Moussa Dembele is a decent centre-forward.

    Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho ended the previous campaign with five goals each. Their performances weren’t anything special either. The English duo failed to make their mark.

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    Dembele featured in 30 Ligue 1 games for Lyon last season and scored 21 goals. The centre-forward has experience playing in England with Fulham. The 26-year-old is a decent option for any team to have in attack.

    United have a dearth of forwards. Ronaldo’s future at the club is still uncertain. The Portuguese finished as our top goalscorer last season. United haven’t added a forward to Erik ten Hag’s squad. Whether we make a move for Dembele this summer remains to be seen.

  • Arsenal join Manchester United in the race to sign prolific Ligue 1 striker

    Arsenal join Manchester United in the race to sign prolific Ligue 1 striker

    Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Lyon’s Moussa Dembele 

    According to mediafoot (h/t Football.London), Manchester United and Arsenal will compete against each other for the signature of French forward Moussa Dembele.

    It is believed that Mikel Arteta is in search of a striker and has shifted their focus onto Manchester United target Moussa Dembele who is currently playing at Ligue 1 team, Lyon. 

    Dembele had a fantastic season for Lyon last year, scoring 21 goals in Ligue 1. Since leaving Celtic, the French striker has persevered and is now piquing Premier League clubs’ attention.

    Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Lyon’s Moussa Dembele. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)
    Moussa Dembele in action for Lyon. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

    In light of the uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, Manchester United may require a striker this summer. Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career, therefore another striker may be needed even if the Portuguese great stays with the team.

    The 25-year-old excelled for the Ligue 1 club last season, scoring 10 goals and dishing out three assists in 23 games across all competitions. Over the past few seasons, he has been a consistent option for the French team.

    Cristiano Ronaldo was the Mancunian club’s top attacker in the previous campaign. The striking great, though, is currently 37 years old and has had trouble maintaining the level of energy required by Ralf Rangnick.

    Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Lyon’s Moussa Dembele. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
    Man United are interested in Moussa Dembele. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)

    Thus, the team would be wise to bolster their attack at Old Trafford with a talented young forward. Dembele is an ideal candidate for this position and might help the attacking unit become future-proof.

    In these situations, Manchester United may look to Moussa Dembele as a viable solution to provide cover in the attack. Should a deal be reached, the former Fulham player, at the age of 25, could still give us some of his best years on the field.

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    Even if this may be a positive development, the Manchester club still has a long way to go before they can recapture their former glory. Their consistency has been shocking, and at the moment a mentality change seems to be the most important thing.

  • Transfer News: Manchester United stage talks with 26-year-old striker amidst Ronaldo uncertainty

    Transfer News: Manchester United stage talks with 26-year-old striker amidst Ronaldo uncertainty

    Transfer News: Manchester United hold talks with Lyon striker Moussa Dembele

    According to Media Foot (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United are set to hold talks with 26-year-old French attacker Moussa Dembele from Lyon.

    Man United have been linked with a move for the French attacker, especially since Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the club is far from certain. Dembele’s contract with Lyon expires in 12 months and he could be available at a bargain price.

    At 26, Dembele is a very promising attacker who Man United can sign for the present as well as the future. A proven goal scorer, he could be the player to lead the Red Devils’ line for many years and seasons to come.

    Lyin have recieved no offers for Manchetser United target Moussa Dembele
    Moussa Dembele is a target for Manchester United

    The French attacker joined Lyon from Celtic in 2018 and is really making the right noise with his performances in the past season. The 26-year-old played 35 times for the Ligue 1 giants scoring 22 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

    These numbers are extremely promising and Dembele seems to be peaking at the correct time. At 26, he could be set for his big career move and what better option than Man United as the perfect launchpad for his career.

    Man United still don’t know what the future holds for Cristiano Ronaldo but signing Moussa Dembele seems to make sense whether or not the Portuguese decides to stay at Old Trafford.

    Manchester United and Arsenal to battle for Olympique Lyonnais striker Moussa Dembele.
    Manchester United want Olympique Lyonnais striker Moussa Dembele. (Image Credits: Getty Images)

    Ronaldo is 37-year-old and although he still performs at a very high level, it is always advisable to prepare for the future. Moussa Dembele could be the man to lead the Red Devils into the future after Ronaldo.

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    If the past season was anything to go by, then Moussa Dembele could become a deadly goal scorer and Man United will be smart in investing in him. He is unlikely to cost much and the Red Devils should sign up the French attacker.

  • Man United look to steal a march on PL rivals for 25-year-old Ligue 1 attacker

    Man United look to steal a march on PL rivals for 25-year-old Ligue 1 attacker

    Manchester United battle Southampton to sign Olympique Lyonnais star Moussa Dembele

    According to the French source Media Foot Marseille (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are currently rivalling Southampton to sign Olympique Lyonnais star Moussa Dembele in the summer transfer window. He has been linked with a move elsewhere, which could now become a reality as the former entered the race.

    Man United are assessing their options after Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag is adamant that the talisman will stay with them beyond this summer, but that has not stopped them from contacting Olympic Lyon for Dembele, having enquired about him in the past.

    In fact, it is claimed that the Red Devils would be willing to table a proposal for Dembele if Ronaldo leaves ahead of the next season. The Lyon ace would be available on a cut-price deal with his current contract expiring next summer, making him a feasible target indeed.

    Manchester United battle Southampton to sign Olympique Lyonnais star Moussa Dembele.
    Moussa Dembele is out of contract after next season. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP via Getty Images)

    Dembele, a replacement for Ronaldo?

    Dembele is on the back of a terrific campaign with Lyon despite running into an injury that halted his run of form during that period. He scored 22 goals and assisted five times for his side last season from 36 matches across all competitions which is a solid return indeed.

    That output is all the more impressive considering the fact that the French giants had endured a difficult time last time around. The Frenchman seems to have finally overcome the struggles he suffered a while back after showing great promise in the early stages of his playing career.

    Manchester United battle Southampton to sign Olympique Lyonnais star Moussa Dembele. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)
    Southampton have also registered their interest in Moussa Dembele. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)

    Being just 25 years of age, Dembele can be a great acquisition indeed for the right price as his ability to be a “fox in the box” while also being able to take part in combination plays makes him ideal for ten Hag’s style of play. After all, Sebastien Haller used to do the same at Ajax under the manager.

    That being said, in an ideal scenario, it would be best if we could keep hold of Ronaldo while also signing the Frenchman to meet our needs. Edinson Cavani’s exit has left a gaping hole in the centre-forward area that must be filled this summer.

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    Dembele could prove to be a great shout for that reason, and he could even lead the line in the future as Ronaldo needs to be replaced anyway. However, the Saints would not make it easy for us as they are desperate for an addition in the striker role for the upcoming campaign.

    That is because Armando Broja has returned from his loan spell to Chelsea, leaving Ralph Hasenhuttl in a bit of a pickle right now. Whether Dembele would move to Carrington or not remains to be seen.

  • Transfer News: Bitter rivals join Man Utd in pursuit of prolific Ligue 1 striker

    Transfer News: Bitter rivals join Man Utd in pursuit of prolific Ligue 1 striker

    Manchester United and Arsenal to battle for Olympique Lyonnais striker Moussa Dembele

    According to Footmercato (h/t Sports Mole), Arsenal are interested in signing Manchester United target Moussa Dembele. It is believed that the Red Devils are set to send scouts to view the French striker in action when Olympique Lyonnais take on Porto in the second leg of their last 16 UEFA Europa League tie.

    The 25-year-old has impressed this season netting 10 goals and bagging three assists in 23 matches across all competitions for the Ligue 1 club. He has been a dependable option for the French club over the last few seasons.

    It is believed that the Red Devils view the French striker as a replacement to Edinson Cavani as things stand. The former Fulham player could go on to replace the Uruguayan international who is set to leave the club at the end of June.

    It is thought that the Gunners will be in the market for a new forward in the coming transfer window and Dembele could be viewed as a substantial target. The Red Devils will therefore have to act swiftly if they are seriously interested in striking a deal for the 25-year-old.

    Manchester United and Arsenal to battle for Olympique Lyonnais striker Moussa Dembele.
    Transfer News: Arsenal join Manchester United in pursuit of Moussa Dembele

    Fresh legs in the striking department

    The Mancunian club does have some highly experienced names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani in their striking department. That being said, the striking duo is well into their 30s and has struggled to consistently match the intensity that is demanded by Ralf Rangnick.

    The club could thus do well to add a young exciting striker to their ranks at Old Trafford. Dembele perfectly fits this bill and could help future proof the attacking department. While Man Utd does have the option of Anthony Martial who is currently out on loan at Sevilla, he has openly admitted that he lost his love for football at the Old Trafford outfit.

    In such circumstances, Manchester United could look to Moussa Dembele as their knight in shining armour to add some more impetus going forward. At 25, the former Fulham player could still provide us with some of the best footballing years of his life, should a deal take place.

    Manchester United and Arsenal to battle for Olympique Lyonnais striker Moussa Dembele. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)
    Moussa Dembele has been impressive for Olympique Lyonnais this season. (Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images)

    While this could be a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go for the Mancunian club if they are to rediscover past glories. Their lack of inconsistency has been appalling and a shift in mentality seems like the biggest requirement at the moment.

    The North Londoners on the other hand have slowly got their act together and are currently fourth in the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta’s men sit a place above the Red Devils with a gap of one point and two games in hand.

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    The Gunners could make a good claim for UEFA Champions League qualification for the 2022-23 season. This coupled with the Spanish manager’s willingness to put faith in youngsters could help tilt the balance in their favour slightly.

    Thus the interest of our bitter rivals could be a nuisance if we are serious about getting a deal over the line. Only time will tell whether or not we are able to hijack a deal but it certainly won’t be an easy one considering the recent developments.