Ousmane Dembele’s debut season at Barcelona certainly won’t be graded positively.

Injuries have stunted Dembele’s playing time; he’s been limited to just nine starts in La Liga and he was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Real Madrid.

Barcelona made the Frenchman one of the most expensive players in history when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund for £135.5 million in August 2017, and there remains hope that he will fulfil his potential.

After all, Dembele is just 20-years-old, and he was always going to be allowed some time to adjust.

But rumours have started to emerge about the player’s future, with reports that Dembele could leave the Camp Nou on a loan deal emerging.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp laughed off rumours linking the Reds with Dembele, joking this week: “Oh, is he on the market? Now I’m interested.”

Yet some at Barcelona genuinely believe a temporary spell away from the Camp Nou could suit the France international.

Barça's thoughts on Dembele

According to Marca, there are mixed opinions surrounding Dembele in Catalonia.

Some think that he should be loaned out in order to rebuild his fitness as a key player in another team, which would also help to boost his confidence.

Meanwhile, others are concerned about how loaning out a £135.5m player, who hasn’t been given much of a chance this season, would look to the fans.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is waiting to hear from the club’s technical staff before Dembele’s future is decided.

“It's a topic that we aren't considering right now," Bartomeu said.

"When the season ends, the technical staff will tell us their decisions on the topic.

"Dembele is young, it's not a gamble on his immediate performances."

Questions have been raised about Dembele’s dietary habits and his excess partying, but there can be no doubting his immense talent.

Indeed, Owen Hargreaves believes he can become a future Ballon d’Or winner.

"He is the best 20-year-old player in the world,” Hargreaves said shortly before Dembele’s move to Barcelona was confirmed.

“If you see him play he will take you breath away. He is a potential Ballon d’Or winner.”

And that is why there will be a queue of clubs lining up to sign him if Barça do offer him on loan.