Report: Liverpool make contact with Barcelona in bid to sign attacker on loan

Add as preferred source on Google

Spanish newspaper SPORT have claimed that Liverpool have opened talks with Barcelona over a loan move for attacker Ousmane Dembele this summer – but have been told the World Cup winner will not be allowed to leave temporarily.

Dembele, 23, has struggled at Barcelona over the past couple of seasons due to major injuries. Last season, a long-term hamstring issue limited the Frenchman to just nine appearances in all competitions throughout 2019-20.

But Dembele – a former Borussia Dortmund and Rennes attacker – is now fit. The report claims Liverpool have made contact in the past few hours to land Dembele, with Ronald Koeman’s side seemingly closing in on a move for Memphis Depay.

However, Barcelona have told Liverpool that they not rid themselves of Dembele on a temporary basis – with a previous SPORT report claiming they would sanction his permanent exit for a fee of £37million.

TBR’s view – Dembele would be a stunning Liverpool signing

The Reds have Mo Salah and Sadio Mane in wide areas, with the duo renowned for getting forward beyond Roberto Firmino and providing the goal threat for the Reds. But when the two are out of the side, Liverpool’s attack is weakened considerably.

Bringing Dembele to Anfield would give Jurgen Klopp perfect cover for his two attacking starlets – with current options Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster being linked with moves away from the club.