Chelsea did not show much interest in Tuchel, who was the main figure eager to acquire the France international. However, Raheem Sterling, Manchester City, had been the priority. Fabrizio Romano’s latest column in CaughtOffside via Substack reveals that Paris Saint-Germain was the most interested.
Dembele wanted to stay with Barca while manager Xavi wanted to tie him down to a new contract. The 25-year old Dembele is now ready to accept a 40% pay cut. Romano writes that Ousmane Dembele is open to accepting a contract from Barcelona even though he will cut his salary by 40%.
“There were many people interested in Paris Saint-Germain, with Leonardo as the director, but not with Luis Campos.” Some of the speculation was a bit exaggerated. Bayern Munich and Chelsea never made any official offers. Thomas Tuchel, who worked with Dembele at Borussia Dortmund, rated Dembele highly. “Raheem Sterling has been their priority, however.”
Dembele is a talented player when he’s in peak form. However, Chelsea made the right decision to sign Sterling.
The England international has proven his worth in the Premier League and has been remarkably consistent over his career for club as well as country.
While it would have been fascinating to see if Tuchel could save Dembele’s career again, it would have been a risky move, even with a free transfer.
Sterling a better choice for Chelsea than Dembele transfer
Chelsea could use some help in attacking due to the struggles of Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
Unlike Dembele, the England international is proven in the Premier League, and has been remarkably consistent throughout his career for club and country.
It would have been intriguing to see if Tuchel could revive Dembele’s career, but it would have been a gamble, even on a free transfer.
Still, Chelsea could do with looking at alternatives in attack due to the struggles of players like Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, and Christian Pulisic.
