Barcelona’s sporting director Ramon Planes has shut down talks of Ousmane Dembele leaving the Spanish outfit this transfer window.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that the La Liga heavyweights are not in discussions with Manchester United, who have recently been linked to the Frenchman. Planes said: “First of all, no negotiations with Manchester United at the moment. Completely deny that.
“He’s a player we count on, we know his potential. We hope this year the team sees the best of him.”
Liverpool links to Dembele
The Reds have reportedly been interested in the Barcelona forward a while now, but would be looking to bring him in for the short-term only. With recent deals for Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota costing a combined £60.03m, it’s unlikely the Merseysiders are looking to splash any more cash. Transfermarkt currently values Dembele at £50.4million, but Barca could demand a lot more than that before they see the young talent leave.
However, next season could be a different story for Liverpool. They could be in a position to pay big once they initially sign Dembele on a loan deal for this campaign.
If the France international was offered a choice between Man United and Liverpool, he may be tempted to join the reigning champions of England.
Why will losing out on Dembele hurt Liverpool?
Despite new signing Jota flying out of the blocks and bagging a goal on his Anfield debut, the Reds are still strapped for options in attack.
Rhian Brewster has made a permanent move to Sheffield United, Harry Wilson is also looking likely to receive the boot and Xherdan Shaqiri may also be shipped out. If all three players leave Liverpool, the club will have just Divock Origi and Jota as back-up to their fabled front three.
Takumi Minamino is also penned down as a winger, but it seems that his recent positive performances in a more central role will see Jurgen Klopp deploy him as an attacking midfielder moving forward.
Bringing Dembele in, even for the short-term, would have seriously strengthened Liverpool’s front three. Despite looking promising, Jota is still settling in and Origi’s subpar six goals in 42 appearances last season doesn’t paint a promising picture for the Reds if one of their front three picks up an injury.
Lionel Messi has also picked up on Dembele’s talents, once describing him as having ‘frightening’ pace during training (via Give Me Sport). His flair on the ball would make an ideal back-up option coming off the Liverpool bench this season.
In other news, Takumi Minamino could become the answer to Liverpool’s long term Philippe Coutinho problem
