Barcelona misfit tipped to snub Liverpool, Man Utd links for shock move

Ousmane Dembele TEAMtalk

Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could complete a shock return to Rennes despite interest from the Premier League, it is claimed.

Dembele has struggled to justify his €105m price tag since joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, with injuries disrupting his progress at Camp Nou.

The Frenchman has subsequently been linked with a number of possible destinations if he is to leave, with Liverpool among the clubs to be mentioned.

Dembele has also been suggested as a target for Manchester United, should he decide to call time on his Barca career.

And, due to the presence of Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann and Luis Suarez – as well as academy prospects Ansu Fati and Carles Perez – AS carry claims that the time for him to leave could soon be on the horizon.

However, it is not the Premier League that is suggested as the destination, but rather a surprise return to Rennes.

The Ligue 1 club are said to be considering a loan offer for the 22-year-old, who started his professional career with the club back in 2015. It is believed that the loan could benefit all parties, by helping Rennes in their push for Champions League qualification, giving Dembele the chance to return to fitness, and ensuring he is ready is Barcelona wish to re-integrate him in 2020.

It would certainly be something of a surprise move given the stature of the other clubs to have been linked with the 2018 World Cup winner. Indeed, it is warned that Rennes would only be able to pay up to 30% of his current wage deal.