Borussia Dortmund have issued a statement revealing that they have rejected a bid from Barcelona for Ousmane Dembele and also declared that a deal to take the attacker to the Nou Camp “is not currently likely”.
Barcelona are aiming to bring in a star signing following Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain, with 20-year-old Dembele having emerged as one of their main targets.
Dortmund manager Peter Bosz revealed that Dembele was absent from training today as speculation over his future intensifies, while Barcelona have had a bid, reported to be of €100 million (£90.31 million) turned down.
Dortmund’s statement read: “Borussia Dortmund has held talks with FC Barcelona regarding the possible transfer of the BVB player Ousmane Dembele to FC Barcelona.
“During this meeting, the representatives of FC Barcelona submitted a bid which did not correspond to the the player’s extraordinary footballing and other abilities nor to the present eco nomic market situation of the European transfer market. BVB therefore rejected this offer.
“As there is no other offer from FC Barcelona to date, there is currently no transfer of the player to FC Barcelona and this is not currently likely.”
Referring to Dembele missing training today, Dortmind sporting director Michael Zorc told the club’s official website: “Ousmane Dembele missed Dortmund training today without leave of absence. It was apparently a calculated step and will be sanctioned.
“In addition, Dembele, who is currently in Dortmund despite reports suggesting otherwise, after consultation with the coach (Peter Bosz) will be suspended from training and matches until after this weekend’s cup game (away to Rielasingen on Saturday).”
Dembele enjoyed an excellent first season at Dortmund after joining from Rennes. The France international, who can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, created 63 chances in Ligue 1, while he was successful with 68% of the take-ons that he attempted.
Barcelona have also had an offer of €100 million (£90.31 million) rejected for Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.