12 May 2016

Liverpool Stunner: Klopp personally calls 'fantastic' €35m attacker to discuss transfer to Anfield

In April, Liverpool reportedly made a 'formal approach' for 'fantastic' Rennes star Ousmane Dembele, and it appears that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is intent on sealing a deal for the coveted attacker this summer.

Last month, RMC Sport claimed:

"A senior Liverpool official has scouted Dembele several times over the last few weeks, and Jürgen Klopp is an admirer of the 18-year old".

According to The Guardian today:

"Liverpool [are in] serious contention to sign OUsmane Dembele, with Rennes asking for €35m (£27.6m). Dembélé [has] spoken to Klopp on the phone this week and is impressed by his plans".

On Tuesday, Dembele confirmed:

"I know where I am going, that is for certain. I hope to play in the Champions League. ”

Is Dembele talking about Liverpool here? It's possible. Liverpool have not yet qualified for the Champions League, so it's possible that he 'hopes' the Reds beat Sevilla next week.

Borussia Dortmund - the other team heavily linked with Dembele - have already qualified, so there's no need to 'hope'; if he signed for BVB, he'd definitely be playing in competition.

Some info about Dembele:

* 18-year old left-winger, who can also play on the right, or as an attacking midfielder. Current contract expires: 2018

* Rennes: 12 goals/5 assists in 24 games (One every 141 mins). Scored more times as an 18-year-old than anyone in Ligue 1 for over 25 years.

* Feb 2016: Rennes sporting director Mikael Silvestre:“Ousmane reminds me of a young Ronaldo. I’m going to go out on a limb, but he could win the Ballon d’Or.”

* ESPN Scouting Report (Excerpt): "Lethal in the penalty area. Divine ball control anywhere on the field. Two-footed, which makes him unpredictable to defenders".

* Mar 2016: Dembele on his weaknesses: "I need to be more efficient. Sometimes I try to dribble when I should be passing. I lose the ball and get an earful from the others. I'm working on that; my team play needs improving."

Liverpool lack dedicated wingers in the squad, and if Klopp signs Dembele then it's probably curtains for Jordon Ibe, who has struggled to consistently impress this season.

EDIT: 14:50 - Dortmund have officially confirmed the signing of Dembele. Klopp's alleged pulling power fails again, it seems.


Author: Jaimie K


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