Man Utd, Liverpool and the seven clubs who want to sign Dembele

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 20 Jan 2022 14:32 GMT
• 4 min read

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is set to leave the club immediately.

The Frenchman's contract expires in June and, after refusing to sign a new deal, Barca are now determined to sell him before the end of the January transfer window.

FOOTBALLTRANSFERS' MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

The Blaugrana's sporting director Mateu Alemany announced: "We started negotiations with Dembele and his agents in July. Barcelona made different offers and tried to find a solution for the player to stay with us.

“Today, 20 January, 11 days before the last transfer window of his contract ends, it seems obvious that the player does not want to continue at Barca. And he is, therefore, not committed to the club’s future project.

“In this context, it was communicated to his agents and him that he must leave immediately because we want players committed to this project. It is hoped that a transfer will happen before January 31."

Here are seven clubs looking to sign Dembele.

Manchester United

Manchester United have monitored Dembele for a few years and remain interested in bringing him to Old Trafford.

It is unlikely that the Red Devils will pay big money for the player, especially after spending so much on Jadon Sancho in the summer, but they might be willing to take a punt on Dembele's talents if he arrives for a small fee.

Man Utd undoubtedly need to look at other areas of their team for improvement before the right-wing position, though.

Liverpool

Liverpool are heavily reliant on Mohamed Salah and even though the Egyptian is happy to play basically every game, the Reds don't have him available during the Africa Cup of Nations.

Jurgen Klopp has said previously that the club do not need to replace Salah, or Sadio Mane for that matter, for that particular tournament.

But, the Liverpool boss may be tempted to go for Dembele for a cut-price fee as he could help deputise for both Salah and Mane - if they sign him in January.

Newcastle

Newcastle are now one of the richest clubs in the world following their Saudi-backed takeover.

In a desperate bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League they have been given a reported £150 million to spend in January.

They have been linked with dozens of players, some realistic, some fanciful.

One rumour that comes in the middle of realistic and fanciful is Dembele, who Newcastle want to sign as a statement transfer, as the Frenchman could come in as the face of the revolution at St. James' Park.

Tottenham

Like Newcastle with Eddie Howe, Tottenham also have a new manager in place in Antonio Conte.

And, like Howe, Conte will be given a reported £150m to spend as Spurs attempt to make the top four and return to the Champions League.

The Dembele rumour is a more recent one, but it seems a bit unlikely as you would struggle to see where he would fit into Conte's 3-5-2 system.

Arsenal

Arsenal are starting to look a lot more like one of the Premier League's 'Big Six' this term, and for the first time in years they are in the top four at the midway point of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta has Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Nicolas Pepe who can play in the attacking midfield spots, but reinforcements are desired by the Spaniard.

Dembele would fit into the young and vibrant team at the Emirates, which could prove to be a perfect stage for the player to re-find his best form, in the same way that Odegaard has after his move from Real Madrid.

Chelsea

The latest club to have expressed an interest in signing Dembele is Chelsea.

The Blues already have a number of wingers/inside forwards in their ranks but none are enjoying particularly sparkling campaigns so Dembele is being targeted in the January window, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The player's wage demands is the reason why Barcelona have not been able to renew his current deal.

But, Chelsea are in a position financially to give him what he wants.

Juventus

Juventus are in the market to sign a winger following the ACL injury suffered by Federico Chiesa, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The Bianconeri are already looking at Anthony Martial of Man Utd and have been long-term admirers of Dembele.

Juve would certainly jump at the chance to sign Dembele if the price is right but its seems unlikely they would be able to afford his astronomical wage demands.