chelseaBarcelona and some other clubs are chasing JMG academy rising star Seydou Dembele.
The midfielder's performances for Mali U17 have drawn attention from some European clubs, including the Blues.
The interest from Chelsea and Barcelona is not new, and both took a look at him just over a year ago. Last April, Sports Witness broadcast news The Club World Cup winners are making an offer for the 18-year-old.
Two months ago, we broadcast news Barcelona and Manchester United are 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, where they again lost to Morocco, this time in the last 16.
His statistics at the U17 AFCON and U17 World Cup:
- Appearances: 11
- Start: 11
- Target: 4
- Assist: 5
Chelsea will miss the young player
Africa Foot Now cover the latest Premier League information in a report focused on Barcelona.
Seydou Dembele has long been tipped for a move to Chelsea, but Liam Rosenior's side are going to miss him.
He is now expected to join the Camp Nou squad and the teenager is expected to travel to Spain in the 'coming weeks' to seal a move there.
Barça signed his compatriot Ibrahim Diarra last year and he is part of their reserve team. Hansi Flick's side are looking to add another Malian to the Barcelona B squad soon.
Chelsea were willing to make an offer of €1.5m. The report made no mention of why the Blues could not make progress on their lofty goal. Fenerbahçe also had him on their radar, but now Barcelona seems to be his next destination.
Our opinion: Barça's plan could have been important
Considering the financial conditions, the La Liga winners will not be able to compete with Chelsea.
Barcelona's project and their plan for Seydou Dembélé could potentially reassure them, both in the short and medium term. It should be made clear if this move goes ahead in the next few weeks.
