Bayern Munich have reportedly entered the race to sign Barcelona contract rebel Ousmane Dembele, who has less than two months left on his deal.
According to Sky Sports, Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele has emerged as a transfer target for German champions Bayern Munich, who have already made contact with the Frenchman’s camp over a summer move.
Dembele joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 as a replacement for Neymar. However, the 25-year-old has failed to live up to expectations. The Frenchman’s spell at Camp Nou has largely been dominated by injury and fitness problems, stopping him from hitting the heights expected.
With Dembele entering the final year of his contract, there have been speculations about his future since last summer. Talks over a contract renewal had broken down completely at the turn of the year. However, the former Borussia Dortmund forward has shown that he can be a key figure in the setup.
Indeed, Dembele has put on some top-notch displays, racking up a tally of one goal and 13 assists in 20 La Liga appearances. Manager Xavi Hernandez has made it clear that he wishes to keep the 25-year-old at Camp Nou, leading to contract negotiations with his representatives restarting.
After two assists in Barcelona's win against Celta Vigo, Ousmane Dembélé leads La Liga in assists with 13 this season ?
He's missed 16 games ? pic.twitter.com/AHb9JuNwJq
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 10, 2022
Even though Barcelona are optimistic about renewing his deal, they are yet to reach an agreement with Dembele’s representatives. The report adds that the Catalan heavyweights are struggling to present a competitive proposal for the winger. And Bayern Munich are now hoping to capitalise on the situation by launching a swoop for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
The Bundesliga champions are set to lose Robert Lewandowski in the summer transfer window, with the 33-year-old pushing for a move to join Barcelona. In such a case, a huge void will be left in the attacking unit at the Allianz Arena, with the Bavarian giants now looking at potential options to replace him.
Bayern Munich have made contact with Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane. But, at the same time, they have added Dembele to their shortlist of transfer targets. They have even initiated negotiations with his camp to explore the possibility of a transfer in the summer. The Frenchman enjoyed a stunning season in Germany with Borussia Dortmund in 2016/17, and the Bavarians believe that he can be an asset to the club.
While Bayern are also keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, Dembele is seen as a more feasible option due to his availability on a free transfer. But with Barcelona fighting to renew his contract, it will be interesting to see where the Frenchman ends up come next season.
