Barcelona's Dembélé close to Manchester United move
Barcelona are poised to sell Ousmane Dembélé to United, AS understands - a deal that would pave the way for the Catalans to sign Lyon's Memphis Depay.
AS understands that Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembélé is close to making a move to Manchester United, in a transfer that would allow the Blaugrana to finance a swoop for Lyon’s Memphis Depay.
Depay a key transfer target for new Barcelona boss Koeman
Depay has emerged as a major target for Barça since Ronald Koeman, who managed the winger in his spell as Netherlands boss, was appointed as Camp Nou head coach in August.
Barcelona ready to sell Dembélé for 50 to 60 million euros
According to AS sources, Barça are willing to let France international Dembélé leave for around 50 to 60 million euros, in a sale that would also significantly reduce the LaLiga club’s wage bill.
Part of the transfer fee from a deal for Dembélé - a footballer United also tabled a bid for a season ago - would be used to bring in former Red Devil Depay.
Earlier in September, Koeman had said Barcelona would need to bring in transfer revenue to be able to afford a move for his fellow Dutchman, telling Fox Sports Netherlands: "For Depay to arrive, you must first sell."
Dembélé has suffered injury-plagued time at Barcelona
Dembélé arrived at Barça from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth 145 million euros in summer 2017, in the wake of Neymar’s departure from Catalonia to Paris Saint-Germain.
Since his move to LaLiga, however, the 23-year-old has been beset by injuries, managing just 75 appearances in all competitions in his three years at the club.
Indeed, Barcelona’s 4-0 league win over Villarreal on Sunday was the forward's first competitive outing for the side since limping out of a Champions League clash with former club Dortmund in November 2019.