Liverpool could now be given the chance to sign Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer this summer.
That’s according to The Daily Mail, who report that Liverpool are ‘likely’ to be offered the £135m man for nothing.
The 25-year-old is claimed to be in the picture as a possible replacement Sadio Mane. However, his ‘wages and character’ are mentioned as being potential stumbling blocks.
After a five year stay at Barcelona following his costly move from Borussia Dortmund, Dembele’s deal will expire over the coming weeks.
Weighing up the gamble
Liverpool have been mentioned as a possible destination for Dembele for a long time. In fact, the Frenchman claimed he met with Jurgen Klopp before he even signed for Dortmund in 2016 (FourFourTwo).
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The Reds then were a very different proposition to what they are now. Back then, the young player from Rennes would likely have been a superb addition to Klopp’s squad.
Now, he looks to be a little bit of a liability. High wages and high frequency of injuries have made his Barcelona career a little underwhelming, especially given the fee he was signed for.
Still, at just twenty-five and available with no transfer fee, maybe he’s still worth a gamble.
Reports from Spain back-up Reds interest
According to reports coming out of Spain earlier this week, Liverpool are very much prepared to take that gamble.
Sport report that Liverpool have ‘made contact’ with Dembele and his people over a summer move.
Given what we know about Klopp’s careful management of the character’s he brings to the squad, it may seem like a no-go.
But the manager has already met the player and reportedly tried to sign him once before.
As former Liverpool player Jose Enrique pointed out on Instagram, Dembele is world-class on his day. Perhaps in the right environment at Liverpool he can finally deliver on his potential once and for all.