Why Barcelona must make a move for Moussa Dembele
According to Spanish newspaper Sport (h/t Daily Express), Barcelona are interested in signing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele.
The 24-year-old has had an excellent 2019-20 season for Lyon, helping his side reach the semi-finals of the Champions League before being knocked out by eventual winners Bayern Munich.
Dembele also emerged his side’s top goal-scorer in Ligue 1 last term, with a whopping 16 strikes from 27 matches. The Frenchman has been in sensational form for Lyon since his arrival from Scottish giants Celtic two years ago.
To date, Dembele has scored 44 goals from 93 appearances across all competitions for the French side, giving a fair glimpse of his goal-scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Spanish heavyweights Barcelona are in the lookout for a replacement for their veteran striker Luiz Suarez and have identified Dembele as a potential suitor.
With 198 goals to his name, Uruguayan Suarez is currently Barcelona’s second all-time top-scorer behind only six-time Ballon d’Or winner and superstar Lionel Messi, who has a massive 634 to his credit.
However, Suarez is 33 now and following Barcelona’s trophyless campaign last season, he is at present considered a surplus to the club’s requirements. Also, Barcelona appointed Ronald Koeman as their new manager recently, whose first order of business was to inform Suarez that he was an unwanted man at Camp Nou.
Dembele a valuable addition for a side like Barcelona
Barcelona suffered one of the worst campaigns in recent years last season after they finished second behind fierce rivals Real Madrid last season. That was soon followed by a humiliating 8-2 Champions League quarterfinal exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Thus, it is clear that Barcelona are in need of a squad revamp and the club’s decision to land Dembele in favour of veteran Suarez makes complete sense. Moreover, they already have big money signing Antoine Griezmann in their ranks, waiting to once again play in his preferred centre-forward role.
With Suarez in their ranks, Griezmann, who arrived at Barcelona last summer, had to mostly feature across the flanks. That said, in-form striker Moussa Dembele would be a valuable addition for a top-side like Barcelona if they wish to get back to the top next season. Hence, the Catalans must pursue their interest in the young Frenchman and sign him.
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Verdict
Dembele has been in terrific form for Lyon in the last two seasons and the arrival of an in-form player would only bolster Barcelona next season. Moreover, he is a consistent goal-scorer and would be a good fit for a top club like Barcelona. He is just 24 and still has plenty of time left in his career. A young Dembele could prove to be their lethal attacking force in the coming years if he starts firing from the go.
