Reported Newcastle United transfer target Ousmane Dembele made it back-to-back assists for Barcelona in last night’s 1-1 draw at Sevilla.
But what would have been more satisfying for the 24-year-old was the fact that he has come through back-to-back 90 minutes unscathed.
The Frenchman, when he is fit and on form, is undeniably one of the best winger’s in European football. But, unfortunately for Barcelona fans, that hasn’t happened too often.
The World Cup winner has been blighted with injuries and after being signed in a deal that could rise up to £135.5m (BBC Sport), the former Borussia Dortmund man’s lucrative contract expires in June.
Nevertheless, clubs will no doubt be monitoring Dembele’s contract situation and Foot Mercato claimed that the Magpies had opened talks to sign the star. Goal also said that Dembele would be open to a move to St James’ Park.
For all of the uncertainty surrounding his future, Dembele is starting to have a growing influence in the Barcelona team once again.
Dembele shines against Sevilla
Playing out on the right-hand side, Dembele was constantly driving forward and putting the Sevilla defence on the back foot.
In the 30th minute he tested Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from range with a left-footed strike which skidded across the wet surface, but was palmed away to safety.
Showcasing his two-footed ability, Barcelona equalised on the night from a Ronald Araujo header, which came via a right-footed Dembele corner.
In the 84th minute, Dembele nearly netted the winner after cutting inside and hitting a curling left-footed strike inside the penalty area, which came back off the post.
Dembele finished the clash with 68 touches and registered the most shots (5) and key passes (4) in the match.
On this type of form, Dembele is more than capable of giving any left-back in world football the run around.
It’s nigh on impossible that Dembele would join Newcastle in January, but if his contract situation remains unresolved heading into the end of the season things could look differently.
If Eddie Howe has secured Premier League survival then PIF could put together a tantalising package that convinces Dembele to spearhead Newcastle’s next chapter.
All of Europe’s big powerhouses will no doubt be circling if Dembele is available for a free transfer, but the world’s richest club could oust them all for the winger’s signature.
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