The deal for his loan transfer to Manchester United this October collapsed but Ousmane Dembele can still make it to Old Trafford in time for the next transfer window and likely at a lower price. Barcelona will reportedly push for the French winger's sale in January for a price of only £45 million.
The fee is a huge cut from Barcelona's original asking price of £91 million and highlighted the club's resolve in offloading Dembele, who has failed to impress in Camp Nou since jumping from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
Provided United will still want to acquire the 23-year-old, Metro said, citing reports coming from Spain, Barcelona will make the player available in January. The Red Devils, however, will need to compete with other clubs as it is understood that Dembele also attracts the attention of other European giants such as Liverpool and Juventus.
But before the winter transfer window opens, the Catalans are said to be looking to sign the Frenchman to an extension as he has less than two years remaining on his current deal. The move is seen to increase his market value in preparation for his eventual offloading.
The latest development appeared to support the recent reports that the Barcelona board is pushing hard for Dembele's exit following years of frustration with the midfielder. His refusal to join United on a loan deal last week did upset Barca boss Ronald Koeman.
Koeman was expecting the transfer deal to get over the line as the money to be generated will be used in the planned acquisition of Memphis Depay from Lyon. But with the agreement called off, the Dutchman will need to wait a few more months before he could bring in his compatriot to La Liga.
Dembele's exit will also allow Koeman to make a move on Eric Garcia, who is seen to be on his way out of Manchester City.
However, it is believed that between now and January, Dembele will attempt to convince Camp Nou that he deserves to remain with the Barcelona squad. According to AS, the Frenchman is out to prove he is a changed man.
Dembele reported for training despite most of his teammates in international duties and the move is part of his camp's efforts to convince Koeman that it is to Barcelona's benefit to keep the player. The winger did not make an impact in the past years but an improvement in attitude could reverse that course.
The AS report, however, stated: "Dembele has a very long road ahead if he wants to regain the confidence of the coach."
And that should mean that it will take a firm commitment on the player's part to convince Koeman that he is worthy of a spot on the Barcelona roster.
