Transfer Centre

Lyon's Memphis Depay 'wants Barcelona move this summer'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 March 2021

Lyon attacker Memphis Depay is reportedly desperate to move to Barcelona, but a deal could hinge on whether Lionel Messi pens a new deal at Camp Nou or not.

Lyon attacker Memphis Depay reportedly has his sights set on a move to Barcelona this summer in order to link up with Ronald Koeman once again.

The Netherlands international has led a Gones title charge during the 2020-21 Ligue 1 campaign, but his contract situation remains unchanged and he is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has talked up the prospect of Depay penning a new deal at the Groupama Stadium, but the former Manchester United man supposedly wants to call time on his Lyon career.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Depay is pining for a move to Barcelona, as president Joan Laporta prepares to sit down with Koeman and discuss transfer targets during the international break.

However, the report also states that Depay's proposed arrival in Catalonia could hinge on Lionel Messi's future, as the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is allegedly considering a u-turn on his contract stance due to Barcelona's improved form.

Depay has scored 14 goals and assisted nine more for Lyon during the top-flight campaign, but he was powerless to stop Rudi Garcia's side from losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.