Barcelona’s transfer decisions have always been a topic of discussion among football fans and experts. One such decision that raised eyebrows was the choice to sign Ousmane Dembele instead of Kylian Mbappe. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this intriguing decision.
The Emergence of Two Young Stars
In 2017, both Dembele and Mbappe were making headlines with impressive performances. Dembele had showcased his immense talent at Borussia Dortmund, while Mbappe had caught everyone’s attention with AS Monaco in the Champions League.
With Barcelona in need of a replacement for Neymar, who had left for Paris Saint-Germain, both players seemed like ideal options. However, Barcelona opted to pursue Dembele instead.
The Case for Dembele
Barcelona saw Dembele as a perfect fit for their style of play. Known for his lightning-fast speed and dribbling abilities, Dembele possessed qualities that resembled Neymar’s playing style. Barcelona believed that he could seamlessly integrate into their attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Dembele’s signing was seen as a long-term investment, considering he was only 20 years old at the time. It was speculated that Barcelona saw him as a player who could develop further under their guidance and potentially become a future star.
The Potential of Mbappe
While Dembele was signed by Barcelona, Mbappe joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan with an option to buy. This move allowed PSG to secure one of the most promising talents in world football without immediately breaking the bank.
Mbappe’s performances during his loan spell were exceptional. He displayed incredible speed, agility, and finishing ability, quickly establishing himself as one of the best young players in the world. His performances in the Champions League knockout stages were particularly eye-catching.
Financial Considerations
One crucial factor that influenced Barcelona’s decision was the financial aspect. Dembele’s transfer fee was reported to be around €105 million, which made him one of the most expensive signings at that time. On the other hand, PSG secured Mbappe’s services initially on loan and later signed him permanently for a reported fee of €180 million.
Barcelona might have considered Dembele as a relatively more cost-effective option, allowing them to allocate funds for other positions in their squad.
Injury Concerns
Unfortunately, Dembele’s time at Barcelona has been marred by multiple injury setbacks. He has struggled with muscle injuries and missed significant playing time. These injuries have hindered his development and limited his impact on the team.
On the other hand, Mbappe has enjoyed a relatively injury-free career, allowing him to consistently perform at high levels and gain valuable experience on big stages.
The Verdict
In hindsight, it is easy to question whether Barcelona made the right choice by signing Dembele over Mbappe. While Dembele possesses immense talent, injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential at Barcelona so far.
Ultimately, both players have their unique qualities and potential. While Dembele’s signing seemed like a calculated long-term investment, Mbappe has proven to be an instant success with consistent performances.
- Dembele brought qualities similar to Neymar’s playing style
- Mbappe showcased exceptional skills during his loan spell
- Financial considerations might have influenced Barcelona’s decision
- Dembele’s injury struggles hindered his development
In conclusion, Barcelona’s decision to sign Dembele over Mbappe was a calculated risk based on their assessment of both players’ skills, potential, and financial implications. Only time will tell if this decision will prove to be beneficial in the long run.