Barcelona have confirmed that they will try and sell Ousmane Dembele before the January transfer window closes, after talks over a new contract stalled.
The Frenchman’s current deal expires in the summer and, with Barca unwilling to let the World Cup winner leave for nothing, they have made the player available this month.
Liverpool have been linked with Dembele on and off over the past couple of years, and fans on Twitter have been debating whether the Reds should make a move for the 24-year-old:
No way stay well clear!
— Curtis Milligan ©️ (@CurtyCM) January 19, 2022
Great player but too injury prone. Would command a high salary aswell. Best to stay clear. Can see him at PSG.
— The Great Abti-Libaan 🧙🏿♂️ (@Abtilibaan) January 19, 2022
No chance, he's never fit and he seems like a player who is more interested in money. Let him sign for Man United or a team thats desperate for more Instagram followers
— Matt Whittle (@Matt_Whittle84) January 19, 2022
Not a chance, the guy is on the physio table more than I can count. Since joining barca he’s missed 102 games, that’s a total of 695 days injured
— SomeoneSayPizza #GetVaccinated (@RustyNutBonanza) January 19, 2022
Please no
— Jacob Cox (@jcox_7) January 19, 2022
Leave well alone. His fitness record makes Keita look reliable.
— m (@T7261355310) January 19, 2022
He wants ridiculous 300k + wages and he plays 15 games a season. No thanks
— Ben (@Ben00238336) January 19, 2022
Any sane Liverpool fan wouldn't think of it
— Sinzu (@k_Sinzu) January 19, 2022
He has a lot of potential but the injuries are just horrible
— Tarek (@tareLFC) January 19, 2022
As some supporters have pointed out, Dembele’s fitness record and wage demands would make any deal unlikely but the fact that a player, who cost £135.5m back in 2017, is available on the cheap will tempt some clubs.
Other Premier League teams, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, have been linked with Dembele, while the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus could also get involved in the battle to sign the France international.