Fabrizio Romano confirms that Manchester United are keen on signing Ousmane Dembele on loan from Barcelona.
The Red Devils spent the entire summer transfer window pursuing a right winger.
When United failed to sign Sancho last summer, they launched an eleventh-hour interest to sign Dembele on a season-long deal. United were ready to sign the French winger without a medical.
Dembele agreed to join United but wanted a long-term deal whereas United wanted a loan move. United agreed to pay 100% of his salary + a loan fee, with manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer backing the deal. However, with Barcelona looking to raise transfer funds, a deal could not take place with both sides failing to agree on terms.
United are trying to sign Dembele again in January. According to Romano, it won’t be easy for United to secure a loan deal for the Barcelona star in the upcoming transfer window.
Dembele’s contract at Barcelona is set to expire in 2022. The 23-year-old French international has made nine appearances for La Blaugrana so far this season, scoring three and assisting one across all competitions.
Our take
Dembele would be a good addition to United’s ranks. A loan deal eliminates any marginal risk too. Injury concerns surround Dembele but the 22-year-old gives United the much-needed depth.
However, it’s highly improbable that Barcelona would let him go on a loan deal. Barcelona tried to sell him permanently in the summer and will want the same thing now as they need to raise transfer funds.
Also, with Ansu Fati out till March with a knee injury, Dembele is likely to be needed at Barcelona this season. Unless they can get a bumper transfer fee, they would be better served keeping the player, letting him get more games and maintaining his transfer value for a move next summer.
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