A report in The Independent has claimed United want Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele is said to be one of two attackers on United’s radar along with a move for veteran striker Mario Mandzukic, who the club snubbed in August.
Barcelona paid a huge £135.5 million to sign Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, BBC Sport reported.
He has not had a particularly happy time at the club, with his spell at the Nou Camp affected by injuries.
This season he has just two appearances so far. Last season he scored five goals and provided eight assists in 29 games. He has not lived up to his price tag and it is possible Barcelona would be willing to cash in to finance a move to bring Neymar back.
Expensive gamble and great fit
Dembele’s run of injuries would make him a risky signing for United. All the same, he would be a huge upgrade on the club’s current options.
His best position is as right winger, a position United desperately need to fill. Dembele would be an automatic starter.
Dembele is still just 22-years-old and he may shake off his injury prone tag. If he can, then he could become one of the best attackers in world football.
Talents like that are worth taking a gamble on. Dembele could also help fellow French internationals Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial take their games at United to the next level by linking up with them.
The problem with Dembele would be price. For the money, you would want a ‘sure thing’. There are question marks over his fitness and professionalism which might make a move hazardous, while his Barcelona record is hardly prolific.
Reaction
This might just be a United pipe dream. But if Dembele’s season at Barcelona does not go well, a January move could be possible.
It’s a possible switch which even now has generated a mixed response from supporters…
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