Barca agree deal with Dortmund for Dembele

Aug 25, 2017 - 4:15 PM Barcelona have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Ousmane Dembele from Germany's Borussia Dortmund on a five-year-deal for 105 million euros ($157m) plus add-ons.

France international Dembele scored 10 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions to help Dortmund finish third in the Bundesliga last season. The team also won the German Cup.

A statement from Barca said Dembele would arrive in Barcelona on Sunday and have his medical on Monday before signing the contract, which will contain a release clause of 400 million euros. He will also be officially unveiled on Monday at the club's Nou Camp stadium.

"Born in Vernon, France on 15 May 1997, Ousmane Dembele is one of the best young players in the world," continued the statement on Barca's official website.

"The French winger stands out for his pace, ability to beat men and versatility. He comes to FC Barcelona after having demonstrated his quality with Rennes and then Borussia Dortmund. He can play on either wing in attack and is known for his great dribbling.

"At 20 years of age he has played a total of seven games with the French national side alongside Barca players Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne ... Without doubt he is (a) hugely talented player, one of the best on the continent."

Barcelona are also targeting Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho as they look to fill the void left by the departure of star forward Neymar, who joined Paris St Germain for a world record fee of 222 million euros.

After Neymar, Dembele becomes the second most-expensive transfer of all-time as the deal's add-ons will take him past the 105 million euros Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba last year.

Barca's need to sign a top class player to replace the Brazilian was underlined by their heavy 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup earlier in the month, although the Catalans beat Real Betis 2-0 in their opening game of the league campaign.

They visit Alaves on Saturday, while Dembele is likely to make his debut after the international break on September 9 when Barca host city rivals Espanyol.

Source: AAP