Chelsea to miss out on signing to Barcelona – Midfielder travelling to Spain in ‘coming weeks’

by · Sport Witness

Chelsea, Barcelona and a few other clubs have been chasing JMG Academy rising star Seydou Dembélé.

The midfielder’s performances for Mali U17 have seen a few European clubs, including the Blues, take notice.

Chelsea and Barcelona interest isn’t new, and both already looked at him a year ago. Last April, Sport Witness relayed news of the Club World Cup winners making an offer for the 18-year-old.

Two months ago, we relayed news of Barcelona and Manchester United battling for the young midfielder.

He starred for his country at the 2025 U17 AFCON, which they lost to Morocco in the final. The youngster also impressed at the U17 World Cup, again losing to Morocco, this time in the last 16.

His stats at U17 AFCON and U17 World Cup:

  • Appearances: 11
  • Starts: 11
  • Goals: 4
  • Assists: 5

Chelsea to miss out on youngster

Africa Foot now cover the latest on Premier League side in a report focusing on Barcelona.

Seydou Dembélé had long been tipped to move to Chelsea, but Liam Rosenior’s side are set to miss out on him.

He is now expected to join the Camp Nou side and there’s expectation for the teenager to make a trip to Spain in the ‘coming weeks’ to seal a move.

Barca have already signed his compatriot, Ibrahim Diarra, last year and he’s part of their reserve team. Hansi Flick’s side are looking to add another Malian, likely to Barcelona B team, soon.

Chelsea, for their part, showed willingness to offer €1.5m. The report makes no mention as to why the Blues couldn’t make progress in their long pursuit. Fenerbahçe also had him on their radar, but Barcelona now seem to be his next destination.

Our take: Barca’s plan could have been key

Taking the financial conditions into account, the La Liga winners won’t be able to compete with Chelsea.

Barcelona’s project and their plan for Seydou Dembélé, likely in both the short and medium term, could have convinced him. This should be clarified if this move goes through in the next few weeks.

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