The 27-year-old joined the U’s from Birmingham City yesterday, and although the fee is undisclosed, it’s believed that United have broken their transfer record to sign the winger.
It is understood that the Blues valued Dembele at between £1 million and £1.5 million, and either figure would break the club record transfer fee, surpassing the money spent on Dean Windass in 1998, and Marvin Johnson in 2016.
READ AGAIN: U’s ‘break transfer record’ with signing of versatile forward
Earlier this summer, Dembele was linked with moves to fellow Sky Bet Championship sides Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City, while it’s understood the U’s fought off strong interest from Hull City to land the attacker.
He said: “I feel good. I think the club are trying to go in a good direction, and I’m looking forward to being here.
“It’s been going on for a bit, so it’s good to finally get it done.
“There have been so many signings so far, and I feel like the club are trying to do something, and that’s what’s made me look forward to coming here.
“I’ve always had a good vibe from the stadium, from the times I’ve played against Oxford, so I think that’s another thing where I got the good vibe about coming here.”
Primarily a right-footed left winger, Dembele has also been utilised as number 10 or a centre forward during his career.
“I prefer playing on the left-hand side, but as a 10 or a second striker as well, but mainly on the left I would say,” he said.
“What I mainly do is cut onto my right, but I do go on the outside as well, and can do a bit of everything.
“When the interest came about, I watched the team and I’ve seen how they play. I spoke to the manager, and it fits the way I like to play, so that’s why I made my decision to come here.”
Get unlimited #oufc news in our latest flash sale with an offer of £3 for three monthshttps://t.co/2z150tnxj0
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) August 29, 2024
His younger brother, Karamoko, joined United’s Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers on loan from Stade Brestois earlier this month, following a successful temporary stint at Blackpool last season.
The younger Dembele was tenuously linked with the U’s this summer, plus a host of other Championship teams, and reported interested from the Premier League.
A sibling union at United would’ve been unlikely, but one relished by the new U’s man.
“It would’ve been good for both of us to be here, but he went to QPR,” said Dembele.
“We go there on December 11, and it’s already one I’m looking forward to the most.”