Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is reportedly a subject of transfer interest from German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
According to a report from German publication Kicker, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in signing Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele in the summer transfer window. To that end, they have already held talks with the Frenchman’s agent over the possibility of a switch.
Dembele joined Barcelona in the summer of 2017 from Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for Neymar, who had completed a world record transfer to PSG. The 22-year-old endured an injury-ridden, underwhelming debut campaign in La Liga, but had a much-improved campaign last time out, although he was once again hampered by injuries.
Dembele finished the 2018-19 season with a return of 14 goals and 9 assists from 42 matches across all competitions, showing signs of living up to his immense potential. But, the World Cup winner could be shown the exit doors this summer as Barcelona are looking at the possibility of bringing Neymar back from PSG.
The Brazilian has become unsettled in Paris and is keen on securing a return to Barcelona, with reports claiming that he has already agreed terms on a five-year deal with the La Liga champions. And the Catalans are looking to generate funds to push through the transfer by offloading some of their current players.
Should Neymar return, Dembele would lose his spot in the starting lineup and Bayern are hoping to capitalise on the situation by launching a summer move. The Bavarian giants are in the market for a new wide player, with both Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery moving on after their contracts expired.
Bayern do have Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and the young Alphonso Davies as options on the wings, but are eyeing another addition to the ranks – someone who has proven himself on the continental level. They had been linked with Manchester City’s Leroy Sane, but are set to give up on his pursuit as per the report and have turned their focus towards Dembele.
Bayern have monitored the 22-year-old since his days with, Rennes but were beaten to his signing by Dortmund in 2016. They have continued to keep an eye on his progress with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic having met with Dembele’s advisor Marco Lichtsteiner in March and they are now hoping to use Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona to their benefit and sign Dembele up.
An alternate report from Bild corroborates the news from Kicker, claiming that Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is extremely intent on pushing through a deal to bring Dembele back to Germany this summer.
Dembele is contracted with Barcelona till 2022. However, should Neymar return to Barcelona, there is a chance that the La Liga champions would be open to a sale. Should he become available though, Bayern will not be the only suitor, as there have been reports of interest from Liverpool as well. It remains to be seen where Dembele will be playing come next season.
