“Wants to stay”- Blow for Liverpool as La Liga giants near agreement with soon to be out of favour star

Barcelona director reveals Ousmane Dembele renewal details amid Liverpool interest

According to Movistar via Sportsmole (h/t Liverpool Echo), Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has suggested that the Catalan team is closing on an agreement with Liverpool target Ousmane Dembele. 

The Frenchman has been an at Barcelona, impressing and frustrating in equal measure. The then-record signing has failed to live up to the expectations. One could argue that injuries have been the primary reason why he hasn’t been able to fulfil his potential.

Barcelona’s recent win against Elche CF was his only 90-min game this season in La Liga. The 24-year-old has made seven appearances across all competitions but has failed to make a significant impact. 

Liverpool has been interested in signing the French star in recent times, but the Barcelona director’s current update hands a massive blow to the Reds’ intentions in doing so. Alemany has suggested that the World cup winning forward has communicated his interest to renew his current contract with Barcelona. 

“Ousmane Dembele always told us that he wants to stay here.”

The Blaugrana director even suggested that they would be able to bind him to a new contract before the new year. 

“We’re in a key moment – we expect to resolve the situation before the end of the year.”

The AFCON competition could land a massive disadvantage to Jurgen Klopp’s intentions to challenge for major trophies. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would miss several Liverpool games in January due to the competition. Thus a forward like Dembele could have helped the German manager tackle the situation. 

The French forward has immense speed and top-notch dribbling skills. These qualities could help him take on Premier League defenders who could face difficulty in stopping the agile youngster. 

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But the recent comments from the Barca director has put Jurgen Klopp’s side on the back foot. The Reds board is currently more financially comfortable than the Catalan club. Thus, a lucrative offer in the coming window could turn the tide.