KEY POINTS

  • Klopp targeting Ousmane Dembele
  • Dembele injury history a concern
  • Barcelona likely to agree to deal with Liverpool

Liverpool looms as the team likely to be awarded the Premier League title if the 2019-20 season is not completed. This is the consensus among experts although the thought of being crowned champions may leave some bad taste in the mouth. The Reds may not entirely be keen on it, winning a title due to a technicality caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Before play was halted, Liverpool holds a 25-point lead over nearest challenger Manchester City. They are just two wins away from being crowned champions, the first time in 30 years, Football365.com reported. Regardless if it happens or not, being declared champions are unlikely to keep Jurgen Klopp from looking at roster enhancements. And one player on their radar is reportedly Ousmane Dembele.

According to Sport, Klopp and Liverpool are ready to shell out big money to get the French forward over to Liverpool F.C. The report claims that The Reds are willing to spend as much as $100 million on Dembele who signed nearly $140 million to join Blaugrana. However, some point out his injury history that Klopp may want to look into.

Dembele has been out of action since February after undergoing surgery. In the three years, he has played for the Spanish Giants, the 22-year-old footballer has made 51 appearances. With football action on hold, the break could work to Dembele's advantage. He could return to action for Barcelona in La Liga if the season does ever restart. So far, he has appeared in five games and owns a single goal this season, NBC Sports reported.

Given his unfortunate plight with injuries, it could be a high-risk move on the part of Liverpool. A better assessment could be made if even Dembele does return and gets the chance to play for Barcelona moving forward. It also depends if Blaugrana is ready to deal him off and at a bargain price to other teams.

For his part, his age could be a deciding factor on how properly he would heal up. He has struggled to get his groove in Barcelona, hinting that a potential transfer to Liverpool may happen. Klopp sees potential in the French forward but may want to factor in his durability for their investment to pay off.

 Ousmane Dembele (L) of Barcelona competes for the ball with Axel Witsel of Borussia Dortmund
Ousmane Dembele (L) of Barcelona competes for the ball with Axel Witsel of Borussia Dortmund Getty Images | Pablo Morano