Memphis Depay is back on the front pages in Spain with a report that Barcelona will do all they can to land the Dutchman in the summer transfer window.
The Catalans are in the market for a striker ahead of the next season. Having let Luis Suarez leave for Atletico Madrid, Barcelona has been left with just Martin Braithwaite as their only natural center-forward option. As a result of which they are struggling.
They have reportedly approached the Olympique Lyonnais striker Memphis Depay for a move this summer. Memphis Depay was close to joining Barcelona in January, but the move failed due to the Depay’s wage issue.
Is Depay an ideal striker for Barcelona?
Depay is having a fine season for Lyon, registering 20 goals and nine assists from 35 appearances in all competitions. His efforts have kept them in the race for the Champions League qualification. They are just three points behind league leaders Losc Lille.
Despite having a good season, the Dutch striker is hoping for a bigger challenge in the next season with another club. Depay has also stated that he would love to reunite with his former Dutch coach Ronald Koeman. The manager played a key role in transforming Depay from a left-winger into a center-forward. They have worked together in the Netherlands team.
Memphis Depay is not an out-and-out striker and is a different player than Suarez. He can play on the wings in addition to scoring. He is a more mobile forward which is something that Koeman wants. A player who can go at defenders but also finish when presented with a chance.
Barca might face competition for Depay
Depay has been linked with Liverpool in recent times. So it could also be that Liverpool might be interested in signing the striker. Jurgen Klopp looks in need of shaking things up following a hugely disappointing season, and also worried about Salah leaving for PSG.
Juventus have also been linked to Depay, with the Serie A giants not looking the same kind of force this season as Inter Milan emerge as title favorites in Italy. With Cristiano Ronaldo getting older and Paulo Dybala not ideal to Pirlo, Depay would be a great impact in Turin.
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