'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ousmane Dembele has had a torrid time at FC Barcelona. The Frenchman signed for the club in August of 2017 for a reported €145 million, becoming the joint-second most expensive player in history.
Dembele came to the club bearing great promise, having just won the Bundesliga's Rookie of the Year award.
In the four years he has spent at the club, Ousmane Dembele's performances have been underwhelming. He has experienced a total of 13 injuries in four years, missing over 100 games in the process.
When he has played, Dembele has managed just 31 goals from 129 appearances. Adding to this, the Frenchman's wages are on the higher side and are a liability for Barcelona in their current financial situation.
The Catalans are reportedly looking to get Dembele off their wage bill. Let's take a look at five players who could replace Ousmane Dembele at Barcelona.
#5. Antony dos Santos - Ajax
Antony is one of the best options to consider as a direct replacement for Ousmane Dembele. The 21-year-old has been making quite a name for himself in the Eredivisie. Antony is a right-winger by trade and started out with Sao Paulo in Brazil. He was signed by Ajax in 2020 and has made the most of this opportunity.
In his two years with the club, Antony has already registered 19 goals and 15 assists. He also made his debut for the Brazilian national team last year and has gone on to make five international appearances.
Antony would be a great option to replace Ousmane Dembele at Barcelona. As Antony is a young player, he certainly has a long way to go in his career and would greatly benefit from the mentorship of Xavi.
#4. Nicolas Pepe - Arsenal
Nicolas Pepe joined Arsenal in August of 2019 for a reported £72 million. The Ivorian arrived at the Emirates with expectations high as he became Arsenal's club-record signing at the time. In a way, Pepe and Dembele are victims of their own price tags, something they could never seem to live up to.
Pepe operates as a right-winger and displays excellent dribbling ability. His shooting is appreciable and he is also an excellent free-kick taker. Pepe's numbers are fairly decent as well. He has managed 26 goals and 20 assists in 100 appearances for the Gunners.
Pepe was originally meant to be a first-team player but has now found himself as a backup option owing to the emergence of English youngster Bukayo Saka. The Englishman is now the preferred option by coach Mikel Arteta, which has restricted Pepe's playing time.
Pepe could be the answer to Barcelona's problems as he plays in the same position as Dembele and could provide a genuine attacking threat.
#3. Adama Traore - Wolves
Adama Traore is one of the most feared wingers in the English Premier League. The Spaniard has been with Wolverhampton Wanderers since 2018. Lining up on the right flank, Traore is renowned for his electric pace and incredible physical strength.
Traore is often considered an orthodox winger. His style of play generally involves making runs on the wing and delivering crosses into the box. Although his crossing could improve, Traore is one of the best dribblers in the league.
Traore's strength enables him to push defenders away while his speed ensures he always makes it to the ball first. He has been on the radar of several top clubs and could certainly benefit from a move back to his hometown of Barcelona.
#2. Pedro Neto - Wolves
Pedro Neto is one of the most sought-after youngsters in Portugal right now. Neto currently plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. He has, in the past, represented Braga and Lazio. Neto is primarily a left-winger but has been used on the right flank and as a striker as well.
The Portuguese youngster has developed into a key member of the current Wolves side. He made 31 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring five goals and providing the same number of assists.
Neto's style of play is very direct. He is always looking to run at defenders and supply creative passes to his teammates. Neto is also an excellent crosser and has a very healthy average shot output per game.
Neto recently earned a call-up to the Portuguese national team in 2020 and has made three appearances for his country. He is definitely an option worth considering for Xavi and Barcelona.
#1. Raphinha - Leeds United
Raphinha has emerged as one of Leeds United's best players. The Brazilian signed from Rennes in 2020 and has quickly become a fan favorite. Primarily a right-winger, Raphinha is loved for his direct attacking approach and excellent output.
Raphinha is also one of the best dribblers in the league. His progressive vision and ability to shoot from distance are traits that most managers love to see from players on the wings.
Raphinha has already registered eight goals and two assists from just 18 appearances this season. The likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham have all shown interest in the player.
Raphinha will not come cheap but the quality he brings to any team is undeniable. He is definitely a player that could replace Ousmane Dembele at Barcelona.
Raphinha will come at a price but the quality he brings to any team is undeniable.
