Ousmane Dembele has ignited a firestorm of speculation just days before Paris Saint-Germain’s crucial Champions League Round of 16 second-leg showdown with Liverpool, boldly declaring his intention to join the English giants. The French winger’s stunning announcement came on the heels of a match-winning performance off the bench against Rennes, where he scored twice to secure a 4-1 victory for PSG and maintain their unbeaten streak in Ligue 1.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Dembele dropped the bombshell that has set the football world abuzz. “I will join Liverpool,” he said confidently. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. I told my family, ‘Next season, I see myself at Anfield.’ It’s a dream move for me.” The 27-year-old, who has been PSG’s standout star this season, added fuel to the fire with a cryptic remark: “Tuesday’s game might be my last against them as an opponent. We’ll see.”
Dembele’s comments come at a pivotal moment, with PSG trailing 1-0 from the first leg at the Parc des Princes and facing a daunting trip to Anfield next week. His brace against Rennes—scored in stoppage time—capped a commanding performance that underlined his red-hot form. Entering the game as a substitute, Dembele turned the tide after Rennes threatened a comeback, bringing his Ligue 1 tally to 20 goals this season, a career-high, and 28 across all competitions.
PSG boss Luis Enrique had opted to rest several key players ahead of the Liverpool clash, with Dembele joining Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Gianluigi Donnarumma on the bench. Despite dominating the first half, PSG faltered after the break as Rennes mounted pressure, only for Dembele to seal the win. Bradley Barcola opened the scoring in the 28th minute, nutmegging goalkeeper Brice Samba, before setting up Gonçalo Ramos for the second goal in the 50th minute. Dembele’s late double extinguished any hopes of a Rennes revival.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona star has been the brightest light in Ligue 1 this season, surpassing his previous best of 12 goals (set with Rennes in 2015/16) and eclipsing his modest totals of eight or fewer league goals in subsequent years. His 2024/25 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, and his latest exploits have only heightened anticipation for PSG’s Champions League rematch with Liverpool.
However, Dembele’s bombshell has overshadowed what should have been a routine victory. Liverpool, who snatched a narrow win in Paris despite being outplayed for long stretches, will now face a PSG side buoyed by their talisman’s form—but also distracted by his apparent exit strategy. Enrique brushed off the controversy, saying, “Ousmane’s focus is with us for now. That’s all I care about.”
For Liverpool fans, the prospect of Dembele donning the red shirt next season is tantalizing, especially with the club riding high atop the Premier League. Whether his words were a psychological jab ahead of Tuesday’s clash or a genuine declaration of intent, one thing is clear: Dembele has ensured all eyes will be on him at Anfield.
