‘It’s possible he will never show his quality at the club’: Ousmane Dembele has run out of chances and Barcelona should sell him this summer, believes club legend Rivaldo
- Barcelona hero Rivaldo thinks the club should sell injury-hit Ousmane Dembele
- The Brazilian said the winger has been given enough chances to show his quality
- But the Frenchman has spent the majority of his Barca career on the sidelines
- The 22-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool
Ousmane Dembele has run out of chances at Barcelona and should be sold in the summer, believes club legend Rivaldo.
The winger has just 19 goals in three years after making the £135.5million move from Borussia Dortmund to the Nou Camp in 2017.
But Dembele has spent the majority of his Barca career on the sidelines through injury with just nine appearances to his name this season.
Ousmane Dembele has suffered an injury-hit Barcelona career since joining the club in 2017
The winger has 19 goals in three years since his £135.5million move from Borussia Dortmund
And Rivaldo, who won two league titles and scored over 100 goals for the LaLiga side, believes a transfer would be the best option for both the club and player.
‘Ousmane Dembele signed for Barcelona almost three years ago and he has already had enough time to establish himself in the club and prove his value,’ he told Bet Fair.
‘It’s possible that he will never show his quality at the club.
Barcelona legend Rivaldo believes it is the right time to sell the Frenchman in the summer
‘He is still a player with huge potential, but I think this summer could be the right opportunity for Barcelona to sell or even exchange him for a player they’re chasing already.’
The Brazilian admitted that the forward has had it tough with setbacks but thinks he would struggle to force his way into the team if Barca’s pursuit of Neymar and Lautaro Martinez are successful.
‘He’s been unlucky with injuries, but he might also have tried to give more at some moments.
‘Things haven’t gone according to expectations and he might be able to revive his career at another club where he will feel more confident to play at his best.
Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with the 22-year-old who is still recovering from injury
‘Barcelona seems to be trying to sign Neymar and Lautaro Martinez, so Dembele will probably struggle to get in the first team next season.
‘Additionally, Barcelona would need to reduce its squad and earn some money if they really want to succeed in bringing in their current targets. To sign new players, others must leave.’
Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old with Barca thought to want around £52million.
Dembele suffered a muscle injury in the Catalans’ Champions League clash with Dortmund in November which was expected to keep him out for two months.
But a setback upon his return to training means he is now likely to be on the sidelines until August, depending when football resumes.
