The 20-year-old's 105 million-euro ($125 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund could rise to 145 million with add-ons depending on his performance, as Barca splashed out to fill the gap.Dembele was presented by Barcelona as the new record signing on Monday August 28th.
Dembele shrugged off comparisons with Neymar and insisted he still has much to learn, despite becoming the second most expensive player in history.
"I'm not here to replace Neymar," Dembele said, and he added,
"I will try to make good progress. I am only 20 years old and have a lot to learn. That's why I came to this big club. It's an honour to be a part of Lionel Messi's team, he's a great player, the best player in the world, the best in the history of football and I am very happy to play in his team. I will learn, watch how he plays, and how he is on and off the field."
Dembele's
Barca career got off to an inauspicious start as his presentation in
front of 18,000 waiting fans at the Camp Nou was delayed for nearly two
hours due to a paperwork issue in releasing his registration from
Dortmund.
With
the supporters' patience tested there were whistles during the delay
and chants for Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu to resign.
Barca's
board has been under huge pressure due to the club's fading fortunes on
the field and being caught cold by Neymar's decision to leave.
The attendance was also well down on the 50,000 fans that welcomed Neymar on his presentation four years ago.
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