According to a recent report by Sport, Liverpool are readying a €90m (£81m) offer to acquire the services of Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp fell ‘in love’ with the French wide player’s game during his first and only season at Borussia Dortmund back in 2016. It is believed that the German head coach has identified the La Liga attacker as an ideal summer target who can improve his attacking options at Anfield in the coming years (via Sport).
Dembele’s Injury Concerns At Catalonia This Season
The ex-Ligue 1 talent has endured a frustrating season at the Nou Camp after missing out on a lot of matches due to a serious hamstring injury. He has only scored one goal in nine appearances for the Catalan giants this term across all fronts. So maybe a change of scenery this summer could help him reignite his career in European football.
Dembele has averaged 1.0 shots, 1.6 key passes and 2.8 dribbles per game in the La Liga this season which goes to show how effective he can be in the final third despite receiving minimal game time due to injury (stats via whoscored).
If the 22-year-old can find a way to overcome his recent injury concerns and prove his fitness, then he has the potential to be a major hit at Anfield. He has also secured 21 senior caps for the French national side while scoring two goals for Les Bleus in the process. However, Dembele will have to perform at a high-level next season if he intends to earn a place back in Didier Deschamps’ squad ahead of the UEFA European Championship which is now set to kick off at the end of next season due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
What Will The French Youngster Bring To Anfield?
Dembele is blessed with electric pace which he can use to get the better of his marker down the wide areas. He excels at dribbling with the ball out of tight spaces and doesn’t mind setting up a chance to one of his teammates if they are in a better position in the attacking third of the field. His shots often pack a lot of power which makes him a potent goal-threat from the flanks. However, his recent injury history will be quite concerning for any of his potential suitors.
Klopp will be aware of Dembele’s poor run with injuries and whether he is still willing to splash the cash on him remains to be seen. When fit, the Frenchman can be a menacing presence down the wide positions due to his quickness and ability to make penetrative runs with the ball. He will be a decent back-up for both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah mainly because of his versatility to play on either flank.
The La Liga prospect will not only add a lot of goals and running to the Liverpool frontline but also increase competition for places within Klopp’s squad. He will also allow the German manager to be more experimental with team selections and tactical formations in the upcoming campaign.
