Barcelona transfer news: Liverpool's interest in Dembele, Gundogan almost joined Barca and more - 3rd March 2018
Ousmane Dembele reveals Liverpool interest
The wide attacker joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund back in August for a mouth-watering fee of €105 million up front, with a sky-high release clause of €400 million. However, injuries hampered his progress at Camp Nou and the 20-year old is yet to become a regular first-teamer under Ernesto Valverde.
Now, the Frenchman has spoken about his rise to Onze Mondial and revealed how Barcelona already contacted him when he was with French side Rennes. He continued further about interest from other clubs including Liverpool and said:
"I spoke to three clubs: Dortmund, Liverpool and Barcelona. I had an appointment with FC Barcelona. I told them, 'For next season, it will not be possible. But the next time you contact me, I'll come. ' And that's what happened."
"From Rennes to my signature, I have always been in touch with Barça. I often received messages from Barça, including the sports director. And then, there was the departure of a player from Barça. He left and behind, they called me. They said to me, 'Now, we want you. We want you to come to Barcelona next season.' I spoke with the new coach. I also traded with Samuel (Umtiti)."
Thus, Dembele's signing has a history and is not a knee-jerk reaction to Neymar leaving Barcelona last summer.
Ilkay Gundogan reveals how close he came to joining Barcelona
The Manchester City midfielder is now a vital cog in Pep Guardiola's Manchester City squad and is growing in stature in the second-half of this season, especially after recovering from a major knee injury.
The 27-year old midfielder now spoke about how he came close to joining Barcelona and how he chose Guardiola over Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, whom he worked with previously at Dortmund. The German said:
"I was very close to signing for Barcelona, but at the end, it didn't happen. But now I am where I want to be and I am very happy."
"Klopp loved me, but I decided to go with Guardiola because his philosophy was very similar to my game. Klopp is like a father to me. Guardiola, a genius, and a teacher, he's the best coach in the world."
Gundogan would have definitely proved to be a good fit for Barcelona and would have definitely provided dynamism to an ageing midfield. Further, his performances for Guardiola, former Blaugrana boss, show he would have bedded in well at Camp Nou. While the boat has now sailed, never say never in football.
Mourinho targetting Marc-Andre ter Stegen
The Barcelona no.1 has turned into one of the best goalkeepers in world football and is one of the most important players for Valverde. Now, Manchester United are looking at the German to replace David de Gea, who is wanted by Real Madrid.
If Los Blancos manage to land the Spain no.1 in the summer, then United boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Old Trafford.
In order to complete the deal, the Red Devils are willing to offer €100 million for the German's services. While it is a huge amount for a goalkeeper, his quality and consistency definitely command such a fee in the current market.
In such a scenario, Barcelona can be expected to reject any advances and even if they are willing to negotiate, the Blaugrana will want United to pay his release clause, which is rumoured to be around €180 million.
However, the English side might be willing to pay such an amount as they can expect a huge fee for their own keeper, who is arguably the best keeper in world football.
If both moves happen, then the Catalan outfit will have a tough time finding a quality replacement.