Lionel Messi won’t let Barcelona sell Ousmane Dembele easily
By Kian Long
![Ernesto Valverde and Ousmane Dembele during the match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla CF, corresponding to the week 9 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou, on 20th October 2018, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images) Ernesto Valverde and Ousmane Dembele during the match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla CF, corresponding to the week 9 of the Liga Santander, played at the Camp Nou, on 20th October 2018, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d91e59528d2dc3e387060f965f4a0c42c96ae9ccc415e5f91ac62782be51f40a.jpg)
Barcelona’s dictator is back and this time he’s reminding the board how much they need Ousmane Dembele.
Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona is subject to a number of transfer rumours this season. With both Arsenal and Liverpool monitoring his situation, it’s important Barcelona decide what’s right for them. Lionel Messi feels like he might have the answer.
According to football.london, his overall view of Dembele is positive. In fact, he feels like Barcelona ‘need’ Dembele and that he’s ‘convinced’ things will continue as they are.
"“We need (Ousmane) Dembele. He is an excellent player with a lot of potential and will help us a lot. He is totally commited to the team. Now he is more responsible and is showing it in the field. It must continue like this, and I’m convinced it will.” – Lionel Messi"
Lionel Messi is known to dictate how Barcelona is run
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This isn’t the first time the Argentine has had his say on Barcelona’s transfer proceedings. He isn’t one to sit around and let his club make the wrong decisions, which can either be perceived as a good or bad thing.
He’s formed a good working relationship and Barcelona will always want to keep their main man happy. That said, don’t be surprised if Barca becomes more reluctant to transfer talks over the coming weeks.
Liverpool and Arsenal will still be on the lookout
Liverpool is somewhat new to the fray, however, Arsenal has always been members of the Ousmane Dembele fan committee. That’s not changed under Unai Emery. Arsenal’s interest only increased when Danny Welbeck became injured, meaning the Gunners are short of numbers in the Europa League.
Liverpool, on the other hand, is always on the lookout to strengthen their attack. It’s Jurgen Klopp’s main weapon so it’s important that it remains polished and strong. Sadio Mane is suffering a dip in form as of late and he just isn’t contributing to the free-flowing passing movements Klopp wants from his attackers. Dembele is an excellent passer and his speed goes without saying so he would make the perfect replacement for Mane should Klopp need it.
The money remains in the Premier League, so should either of these two clubs wish to sign Dembele then they have the funds to do so. It will be interesting to see how this saga pans out.
Next. Barcelona have their Dembele replacement already lined up. dark
Do you think Barcelona will listen to Lionel Messi’s implicit plea by keeping ahold of Ousmane Dembele?