Barcelona transfer news: Dembele reveals future plans, Umtiti latest and more - 16th April 2018

Ousmane Dembele reveals desire to prove himself at Camp Nou

The Frenchman was signed by the Blaugrana as a replacement for Neymar last summer for well over €100 million. However, the 20-year-old has struggled to adapt to Ernesto Valverde's requirements and regular injuries have further affected his progress.

Naturally, pressure builds pretty quick at a club of Barcelona's stature and Dembele was asked regarding a move away from Camp Nou in the summer. But the former Borussia Dortmund man expressed his desire to make it work and said:

"I'm not going to leave after just one season. I signed a five-year contract with Barcelona. I'll be here for a long time."

"I'm not at the top of my game right now. Little by little, I will return to my best. I'm working on my cardio because I get tired very quickly."

"In Barcelona, I have a better lifestyle than in Dortmund. I didn't have a healthy lifestyle in Germany and I didn't get injured. So it's not because of that."

Thus, the young attacker is willing to fight for his place at Barcelona and the attitude does bode well for his future, be it at Camp Nou or elsewhere.

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Guillem Balague gives a huge update on Samuel Umtiti's situation

Manchester United beckons?

The Frenchman's contract situation is still up in the air, which is a cause for concern for Barcelona. The 24-year-old is crucial in Ernesto Valverde's rebuilding of the Blaugrana as his performances have quickly established him as a top defender in Europe.

Now, Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague, gave a huge update on Umtiti's future and it does not bode well for the Catalan outfit. He said:

"His poor performance against Roma, and being affected by the talk about his future, has meant there is going to be a new meeting soon between his people and Barcelona. The intention from Barca is to say: ‘You are here, in a good place, we cannot pay what you ask but we want you, and you need to focus’."

"My question is will Umtiti’s people ask they cannot ask for three times what he is earning – which is the amount of money United would be willing to pay? They are also willing to pay the €60m of his buyout clause."

While Barcelona might feel they are right to not be held to ransom as it could set a dangerous precedent, the cost of losing a player of Umtiti's quality and the difficulty in finding top defenders makes this case a tricky one.

On the other hand, Jose Mourinho's undivided interest in signing Umtiti is definitely a warning sign as Manchester United will not have any hesitation to complete the financial part of the deal.

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Lionel Messi intervention could hurt Barcelona

Messi does not want Dybala (right) at Barcelona

The Argentine does not want Paulo Dybala at the Camp Nou if Spanish news outlet, Don Balon is to be believed. The report states that the Barcelona No. 10 feels his countryman is incompatible with him and hence, does not want the club to splash out on the Juventus man in the summer.

Further, both players play in similar positions and this was one of the reasons why Dybala was not considered by Jorge Sampaoli for the recent Argentina friendlies. While this could prove to be a smart decision by the Blaugrana, it could come back to bite them in the form of Real Madrid.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is interested in the Juventus No. 10 and the player himself is expected to make a big move in the summer. The capital club are willing to pay €150 million for Dybala and the Argentine could hurt Barcelona in the coming seasons if this deal reaches completion.