Barcelona are closing in on the capture of Olympique Lyon star Memphis Depay who could become the club’s sixth addition this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have moved one step closer in their pursuit of Memphis Depay. They have agreed a deal worth around €25 million + add ons with Olympique Lyonnais and the Dutchman could become the sixth signing of the summer for the Spanish giants.
Depay has turned his career around spectacularly since joining Lyon from Manchester United in the January transfer window of 2017. An underconfident, yet promising winger when he called it quits at Old Trafford, he is now regarded as one of the most enterprising forwards in Europe, with a reliable tally of 57 goals and 43 assists in 139 outings to show for his efforts during his time at Lyon.
However, it has been widely reported that the Dutch international could be on the move this summer after Les Gones missed out on European football for the coming season. And Barcelona are interested in signing the ex-Manchester United player.
Barcelona are in a transitional period following a horrendous 2019/20 campaign that saw two different managers being sacked. Ronald Koeman has now arrived at Camp Nou, and significant changes appear to be in order at the club.
Memphis Depay has the agreement with Barça. OL are ready to accept €25m + add ons bid from Barça for Depay.
Now Barça need to sell Démbélé. He’s open to join #MUFC. Talks on between the two clubs.
? More about #FCB, #MUFC and Eric Garcia: https://t.co/UIKfW3mnF1 #DeadlineDay https://t.co/ngv0dInn30
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 4, 2020
Lautaro Martinez was Barcelona’s top target this summer for the longest time, but his hefty price tag has made matters complicated. As a result, it looks like the La Liga heavyweights have shifted their focus towards former Manchester United forward Depay, with whom they have been in contact for a while.
This deal has been in the works for quite some time, with the latest reports suggesting that Lyon had decided to end all negotiations for him and midfield starlet Houssem Aouar. However, it seems that Barcelona have convinced the French outfit to part ways with the Dutchman, with Lyon ready to accept the Catalans’ offer.
It was quite evident in their draw against Sevilla that Barcelona lack a centre-forward on the pitch, and this space was often left empty by them during transitions. While Depay could easily slot in there, he might be far from the striker the Blaugrana crave.
In fact, this deal could go south for Barcelona if it sees Ousmane Dembele move to Manchester United, as he is one of the two players who make constant off the ball runs into space. A lot is riding on this move with more than two clubs involved and less than 48 hours to go for the transfer window to end; it remains to be seen how this deal along with others unfold.
