Manager Ronald Koeman has made it no secret that he wants Barcelona to sign Lyon and Netherlands forward Memphis Depay.
He wanted his signing prior to the start of the season and was hopeful during the winter transfer window. Given the club’s financial struggles, it did not come to pass.
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With a new board, however, and the way Koeman has turned around the side that looked to be going nowhere, there is a sense of renewed optimism by the Dutchman that a deal can get done.
What he might not have planned on is that while he continues to push for Depay, the club is not entirely convinced by the player.
Barcelona and Koeman of two different mindsets with regards to Depay
Koeman’s bets for next season are Depay and midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum. But the Liverpool player also doesn’t entirely convince the higher-ups at Barcelona. Especially with the emergence of Ilaix Moriba and the good performances, Riqui Puig puts in during his cameo appearances.
A potential Depay signing would reinforce the attack but there is already an overbooking in that area. For this to happen, the Catalans would need to offload a number of players. Depay would, in theory, come in and be the number ‘9’ that Barcelona have been lacking.
But Depay is not a natural striker. The Blaugrana have prioritized a striker and have Erling Haaland as their dream signing. Again, given the amount of debt the club carries and the high wage bill, Joan Laporta needs to be diligent in which players he spends the money.
Despite the reluctance, according to ESPN, it is believed Koeman may end up getting his way because of the job he’s done. He’s improved the team and if he can win La Liga and the Copa del Rey, it would be a sort of reward for the work he’s done.
As it stands, the two sides seem to be far apart when it comes to Depay. Everything will need to wait until the end of the season. What Depay has going for him is if Barca are indeed interested, he would arrive on free as his contract with Lyon ends in the summer.