Memphis Depay is in talks with Barcelona, with a final decision on his future set to come at the end of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Memphis Depay in Negotiations With Barcelona Ahead of a Potential Summer Move
The Decision Will Be Made by Him Without His Agents
The winger is out of contract at Lyon this summer, where he has had an outstanding season – scoring 20 goals and registering ten assists in 37 league games. His side currently sits fourth, with the Champions League race in Ligue 1 set to be decided on the final day of the season.
Depay took to Instagram to release a statement on his current negotiations, saying he has “decided to negotiate [his] future deals’ and ‘will decide his future [himself]”. He has parted company with his agents after they reportedly deterred Barcelona from signing him in January.
Romano posted the image of the statement on Twitter, saying: “Memphis Depay announcement on Instagram. He’s in talks with Barcelona as a free agent but now there are new layers involved – final decision will be made at the end of the season.”
Anything Still Possible for Depay
Qualification for the Champions League could affect Depay’s decision. The allure of Europe’s elite competition and the club’s ability to offer a more lucrative deal could be motivation to stay.
The Dutch international has been linked with a return to playing under Ronald Koeman, his former Holland boss. Koeman’s future has been put under doubt after a disappointing first season at Camp Nou.
20 – Memphis Depay becomes the first Lyon player to score 20 goals and deliver 10 assists in a single Ligue 1 season since Opta analysed the competition (2006/07). Brilliant. #NOOL pic.twitter.com/pAamSPOJoA
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) May 16, 2021
Depay has openly admitted to being undecided on his future throughout the season. At 26 years of age, the winger may be looking to make a big step in his career by joining one of the world’s biggest clubs, despite his admiration for his current “great team”.
While a move to Barcelona this summer is far from certain, Depay will want to be playing in the Champions League next season. If Lyon fails to qualify, he should have plenty of options.
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