In a post-match interview after France’s victory over Croatia earlier this week (via the Liverpool Echo), Olympique Lyonnais forward Moussa Dembele ruled out the possibility of an exit this summer when he said, “I still have four years left of my contract, I will be in Lyon next season”.
The Liverpool Echo states that Liverpool had been linked with a move to sign the Ligue 1 striker earlier this month so this recent development will be a bitter pill to swallow for Jurgen Klopp as he looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
The departure of Daniel Sturridge has left a void in the Reds squad and so Dembele would have been a perfect fit for the Merseyside club as they look to recruit a good back up to their fabulous front three which consists of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
Dembele’s Rich Vein Of Form For Lyon Last Season
Dembele had enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Lyon last season when he scored 23 goals and grabbed six assists in 52 matches across all competitions. His remarkable goal-scoring form helped the French club secure an impressive third-place finish in the Ligue 1 standings.
What Does The French Striker Offer On The Pitch?
Dembele has decent pace and is an outstanding runner with the ball down the wide positions. He is also physically strong and knows how to find the back of the net on a consistent basis. At 22, the French frontman has his peak years ahead of him and could become one of the top goal-getters in European football someday.
Dembele’s Unavailability: Big Blow For The Reds?
Missing out on the Lyon striker would be a huge blow for Liverpool as they look to bring in a worthy back-up for Firmino and Salah this summer. The fact remains that Klopp’s men have not done so well in the domestic cup competitions over the past few years. It might be due to the lack of squad depth and so the Reds would need to have a strong bench or else risk missing out on domestic silverware in the coming seasons.
However, Dembele is still unproven at the highest level, so Liverpool might be better off going for more reliable options in the transfer market.
