Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele has shockingly been linked with a move to Newcastle United following the Magpies’ takeover.
However, Ronald Koeman insists that he wants to keep the Frenchman at the Nou Camp.
Koeman has been speaking to the Spanish press ahead of Barca’s midweek La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano, and was asked about Dembele’s future.
“What’s most important is that we want him [Dembele] to stay,” Koeman said.
“It’s important and he has quality.
“The objective is to renew. Another thing is, if he doesn’t want to renew, we have to speak as a club what the best way forward is.
“Still, we have not spoken of what our strategy will be if he doesn’t renew.”
Ousmane Dembele to Newcastle? Really?
While Koeman may want to keep Dembele, he might not have a say in the matter.
The 24-year-old’s contract expires next summer, and there have been reports stating that Newcastle have already opened talks with him about a move to St James’ Park.
Those rumours do sound somewhat farfetched considering we’re yet to appoint a director of football or a manager.
On top of that, we don’t even know which division we’ll be playing in next season. I doubt Dembele will be interested in Preston North End away…
Dembele hasn’t had a great Barcelona career so far. His time in Spain has been dominated by injuries following his £97million move from Borussia Dortmund to replace the PSG-bound Neymar in 2017.
Would the World Cup winner fit in at Newcastle? No, he’d stick out like a sore thumb. The fact we’re being linked with this calibre of player is astonishing.
Of course, it’s likely just agent talk. But we won’t really know until the 2022 summer transfer window when we see PIF flex their financial muscles for the first time.
Yes, we’ll make signings in January. But there won’t be a mass squad overhaul. January isn’t the time for that. A few sensible signings are needed to steady the ship.
But in the summer when Dembele’s contract is up, it might be a different story. And given our financial position compared to Barcelona’s, perhaps this rumour isn’t quite as bonkers as it first appears…
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