Dortmund Suspend Dembele Target Amidst Transfer Speculation
Reuters / Michael Dalder
Amidst growing assumption of a move to Barcelona, Ousmane Dembélé’s absence from training with current club Borussia Dortmund has fueled further speculation.
The Spanish giants are desperate for an attacking signing following the departure of star man Neymar to PSG for the world record transfer fee of €222 million. Since then, the young French starlet has emerged as a player of interest for the Catalan giants.
The youngster reportedly failed to appear for the scheduled training session on Thursday. The decision was voluntary and done without prior permission. As a direct consequence of his actions, Dortmund have fined and suspended him till after the club’s encounter with Rielasingen-Arlen in the DFB-Pokal Cup.
Earlier in the day, the German outfit revealed that Barcelona had submitted a bid for the 20-year old, which had been subsequently rejected, as the amount didn’t meet their evaluation of the player.
It is interesting to note that Dembélé was signed just last season from Ligue 1 team Rennes for a relatively modest sum of €15 million. But reports now suggest that Dortmund are demanding around €149 million for the highly rated forward.
The astounding fee is arguably enormous for a player who managed to net 10 goals and created 21 during his 49 appearances for the German giants.
Currently, the illustrious Spanish side have talented youngster Gerard Deulofeu who, having returned from his successful loan spell with Everton, might provide some temporary relief to the gaping hole that Neymar’s departure has created in their otherwise fearsome front three.
With the Catalan outfit unable to make headway in their pursuit of key Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho, it is certain that they shall put all their weight behind trying to secure the services of the Frenchman. The Brazilian is considered irreplaceable by the English giants, who have ruled out all possibilities of his move to Spain.
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.