Barcelona concerned over record signing Ousmane Dembele’s lifestyle

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Bengaluru, March 7: Life has not been all easy for Frenchman Ousmane Dembele since securing his mega money to Barcelona. Bought to fit in Neymar’s shoes, Dembele has not yet proved his worth as he spends the most his time on benches, sidelined with injuries.

However, at 20, it’s too early to ward off the ex-BVB youngster. But recent reports in Spain suggest Barcelona are being increasingly concerned about Dembele, especially with the lifestyle he follows at Catalonia.

It has been claimed by Cadena SER program El Larguero (h/t AS), that Dembele is struggling to stay at Barcelona and that his diet is heavy on fast food, something that doesn't aid his susceptibility to injuries in his first year at the Camp Nou, coupled with indulging in the Barcelona nightlife.

Moreover, Dembele’s motion-less warm up riled some at the Camp Nou last weekend. On the sidelines of the clash with Atletico Madrid, the 20-year-old was static instead of preparing for a potential introduction. Barcelona eventually won the game as Dembele remained an unused substitute.

The Frenchman has started only three La Liga games this term and is yet to score his first goal for Barcelona, making just 10 appearances for the club. He was sidelined with a four-month-long injury very early this season and has found it difficult to get back to full match fitness.

His parents’ recent separation has added to his difficulties. And despite having compatriots Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti alongside him, Dembele finds it difficult to communicate with his teammates.

A similar case was on hands of Barcelona earlier in the decade as well. Brazil legend Ronaldinho was in the centre of nightlife and partying in the city at his peak. The Brazilian would party to such an extent that he once spent his night partying on the eve of Barcelona's Champions League semi-final second leg showdown with Manchester United.

Although he was out injured, instead of focusing on his recovery he preferred to staying out.