Will This Transfer Finally See Ousmane Dembele Deliver On His Potential?

Ousmane Dembele has already had a rollercoaster of a career in spite of being just 25. His €105 million move to Barcelona had the entire footballing world take a collective gasp. Many had their reservations about the youngster, but at the time, he looked like a world-beater.  Unfortunately for the Blaugrana, this move blew up in their face.

Injuries have plagued his 5-year stint at Barcelona, with him missing more matches than he has played. Credit to him, he has worked hard to recover from those injuries and, since January, has been one of the best players for Barca. He ended the season with the most assists in La Liga (13) in spite of playing just 21 matches.

Throughout his spell at Barca, he has been one of the most exciting players to watch when he is fit and firing. Incredible pace, skills that fit the bill, and unbelievable two-footedness. There have been matches when he has taken free kicks with one foot and penalties with the other and scored both.

With him remaining fit for the past 6-months and rejecting many attempts from Barca to extend his contract, it looks like the Frenchman is on the move. But where to?

The Biggest Rumour: Chelsea

Chelsea have immerged as the leader in the race for Dembele’s signature. As per Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, Chelsea are ‘seriously pushing’ for the signing of Dembele as a free agent, with his deal at Barcelona set to expire by the end of next month. The Todd Boehly consortium has finally managed to take over Chelsea and will be looking to make a statement signing to kick start their era. This could be the one.

Chelsea’s frontline has been misfiring throughout the past season, and many departures are expected. The options on the wing have been poor, with neither Ziyech, Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, or Werner performing to desired standards at the club. Signing a fit Dembele with a point to prove might be the perfect addition.

Add to this the player’s relationship with Tuchel. It was Tuchel who gave Dembele his debut and initial game time at Dortmund. Dembele played the best football of his career under Tuchel and it’s likely that playing under him once again could unlock his potential.

Wildcard option: Bayern Munich

The instability in the Bayern hierarchy this year has been unnatural. This drama at the board room level is now having an impact on the squad. Players are unhappy, and many have left or want to leave. Talks of Gnabry leaving have popped up with the German winger left with 12 months on his contract.

Signing Dembele on a free transfer would not only bolster the team’s attack but also safeguard the club from unforeseen departures. Naglesmann loves playing with interchanging forwards, an attack with Gnabry, Sane, Dembele, and Coman would be his dream. Dembele has experience playing in the Bundesliga so he could hit the ground running.