Five clubs which should target Ousmane Dembele

The 24-year-old's contract with Barcelona is set to expire in June 2022.

Ousmane Dembele was the hottest prospect in Europe when he made his move to FC Barcelona. The French international was exceptional for Dortmund and was their star man. On the other hand, the Blaugrana's had just parted ways with their global superstar Neymar. The Catalan club paid a hefty amount of €105 million plus €45 million on add-ons for the French prodigy.

After enjoying a stellar start, Dembele’s career spiraled downward. The French international suffered 13 injuries and missed 98 matches across four seasons at Camp Nou. The former Dortmund star made a total of 119 appearances, scoring 30 and assisting 20 goals across four seasons. Dembele lacked consistency and just showed glimpses of his Dortmund days at FC Barcelona.

His current contract is set to expire in June 2022. Though he has been rumoured to sign a new contract, a host of elite European clubs would be interested in gaining the services of the French international.

Here are the top five clubs which should target Ousmane Dembele.

5. Newcastle United

If the Magpies manage to avoid relegation, then anything is possible for the club from Tyneside. Given, the deep pockets and the ambitions of their new owners, Ousmane Dembele could ignite the revolution at St. James’s park. The Magpies have lacked creativity in the final third of the pitch. Newcastle has had to depend a lot on their star man, Alan Saint-Maximin to produce moments of magic.

Newcastle would be the perfect club for Dembele to reignite his career. The French international would be a guaranteed starter at St. James’ Park, given the squad at Newcastle’s disposal. The French international can operate on both the flanks and is flexible to any style of play. Given, Dembele’s technical ability, pace, and creativity in the final third, the Magpies need to keep a close eye on him.

Considering he is just 24, Dembele could form a devastating partnership with Saint-Maximin. The duo would surely be a nightmare for the opposing defenders. Along with all his abilities, the French international will bring in huge revenues for Newcastle with shirt sales and others. Given Newcastle's need to invest in other positions, getting the Frenchman for free would be a smart enough move for the Magpies.

4. Borussia Dortmund

With Jadon Sancho moving to Manchester United and talks of Erling Haland departing the club next summer. Dortmund needs to draw a new plan for the future. A return to his former club where he was at times unplayable as well as untouchable would be surely in the cards. Given Ousmane Dembele knows the club and the league inside out, he would not need much time to settle in at Signal Iduna Park.

The French international scored six and assisted 12 in his first and only season at Dortmund. Dembele was involved in a Dortmund goal every 113 minutes while he was on the field. With Marco Reus turning 33 next season and the likes of big-name forwards leaving the club, the club would be more than happy to welcome him back.

3. Liverpool

Liverpool in the past has been heavily linked with Ousmane Dembele. Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Dembele and was adamant about bringing him to Anfield. Next summer would be the perfect time for the Reds to sign one of their primary targets for free.

The French international would compliment Klopp’s high paced ultra-attacking football. Given his burst of pace, he would be key in Liverpool’s high press. Salah has been deployed more centrally by Jurgen Klopp this season. With Mane operating on the left-hand side, the right wing position is still vacant at Anfield. The French international has all the qualities needed to operate on the right-hand side of the Liverpool front three. Along with his ability to cut in and shoot with both his feet, Ousmane Dembele can also whip inch-perfect crosses for his teammates. Dembele with Trent Alexander-Arnold on that flank could excel in the Premier League.

2. Juventus

After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Juventus have struggled massively in the Serie A this season. The Bianconeri, who have been so dominant in Serie A over the last decade, is currently at 12th in the league table. They are at a high risk of missing out on European football next season. Given their struggles on and off the pitch this season, the club will have to hit the reset button next season.

With Juventus still sorting out their finances, they will surely be targeting players that will be available for free next summer. Ousmane Dembele will tick all the boxes. Allegri plays a 4-4-2 and the French international can be deployed in the striker position, given his clinical nature in front of goal. He can also operate in the left midfield slot, which surely needs updating. The French international will bring creativity and pace, which the Old Lady seem to be lacking. The Frenchman could be the one to partner with Dybala and Chiesa as well as drive Juventus forward.

1. Paris Saint-Germain

Kylian Mbappe was just inches away from joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. The French international’s future seems to be a point of concern for PSG. With 12 months left in Mbappe’s contract, getting Ousmane Dembele on a free next summer will be a wise move for the Parisians.

The former Dortmund man has played with Messi in his days at Barcelona. If Mbappe were to leave, then Dembele would be an ideal replacement for him. In terms of playing style, both the players are similar. They both have a direct gameplay and pace in abundance. They are both clinical and creative as well. The Parisiens would be in profit if they were to sign Dembele.

Ousmane Dembele is still a popular figure in France. He was also part of the World Cup winning squad of 2018. Back in France people still believe that he possesses all the qualities to reach, the summit of world football. That would be enough motivation for the Frenchman to return home.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.