Despite scoring some crucial goals this season, Ousmane Dembele's future at Barcelona does not look altogether secure.
The France international was signed by the Blaugrana from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017, swapping Signal Iduna Park for Camp Nou in a mammoth deal worth roughly €105 million (£92.6m/$118.5m) plus a reported €40m (£35.6m/$45.5m) in future bonuses.
Life at the Catalan giants, however, has been far from straightforward.
Dembele has been used primarily off the bench in his time in Spain, with injury hampering his adaptation during his debut season.
His discipline has also come into question. The youngster was left out of Barca's squad for their 4-3 defeat at the hands of Betis in November, amid speculation that the decision was actually punishment for oversleeping and missing training prior to the match.
Dembele's ability is nevertheless undeniable and, at 21, he remains one of the hottest prospects in world football.
But if Barcelona do decide to cut their losses and release the temperamental talent, where would he go?
Ousmane Dembele transfer value & contract
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Dembele is under contract at Barcelona until June 2022 and the forward's release clause is set at a frankly preposterous €400m (£355m/$453m), which, if met, would make him by far the world's most expensive player.
Realistically, however, the Catalans would count themselves lucky if they came close to breaking even on the Frenchman, who is reportedly valued at a rather more reasonable €80m (£71m/$91m).
There are other considerations that make Dembele's sale appear a difficult prospect, though.
Recent reports suggest that Barca would have to pay up the entire value of the transfer agreed with Dortmund whether the player stays or goes.
In the event of a sale, the Blaugrana would be left with a hefty bill of up to €30m in order to fulfill the terms of the 2017 deal with the current Bundesliga leaders.
Goal understands that Dembele is nevertheless determined to force a move, which could open the door for the sensational return of Neymar to Camp Nou.
The clubs who want Ousmane Dembele
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While more suitors will surely make themselves known as we move towards the January transfer window, there is one particularly tantalising prospect for all involved.
Paris Saint-Germain have their own problems with a want-away striker, with Neymar angling for a way out of Parc des Princes after just 18 months in the French capital.
Barca are seriously considering using Dembele as a makeweight in their bid to bring the Brazilian back to Camp Nou.
Another side linked with the Frenchman's signature are Liverpool, who could benefit from extra attacking depth as they look to dethrone Manchester City as Premier League champions.
Barca, however, have assured they are yet to receive an official bid from Anfield.
Arsenal too are reportedly interested in Dembele, with former star Ray Parlour urging Unai Emery to make a move in spite of the youngster's alleged disciplinary problems.
Which club is best for Ousmane Dembele?
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Given Neymar's scintillating success since moving to PSG and Dembele's abilities, it is hard to see him failing to make an impact if he accepts a move back to his native France.
Dembele came to prominence in Ligue 1, lighting up the top flight at the tender age of 18 when he netted 12 goals for Rennes.
With PSG's formidable attacking force he would surely feel right at home in Parc des Princes, while Les Bleus fans would delight in seeing their two young hotshots together, with Dembele lining up alongside Kylian Mbappe.
One could also foresee the forward shining under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield but, as Xherdan Shaqiri is discovering at Anfield this season, it's hard to nail down a regular berth in the Liverpool line-up, given the presence of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in attack.
At Anfield, Dembele could well have to put up with the kind of rotation that is presently frustrating him at Camp Nou, thus making Liverpool look like a rather lateral move for a forward who at this stage in his career needs regular football to achieve his full potential.
Arsenal, meanwhile, cannot boast the same attacking depth as their Premier League rivals, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette the pick of the bunch at the Emirates.
Dembele's ability to play off either flank or through the middle makes him an extremely attractive prospect for Emery, who has barely invested in forward reinforcements since arriving in the summer.
Whether the fee would hinder a move to the Emirates is not yet clear. What is obvious, though, is that Dembele will not be short of suitors should be successfully push through his transfer away from Barcelona.
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