Memphis Depay has been linked with a move for Barcelona for a while now. Heading back to the start of the season, his name was brought up as a player-manager Ronald Koeman wanted.
Koeman’s wish may finally be coming true as the player and the club have taken a step closer to ensuring an agreement.
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The forward has long been of interest for the Barcelona manager.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has agreed to Depay’s request of only signing a two-year deal.
Initially, it was believed that the Netherlands striker would sign a three-year deal. The reason behind this decision is Depay wants control of his own future after the two years are done.
In other words, he wants to see how he does at the club and not tie himself down in case the move doesn’t go as planned. It also lets him negotiate a better deal if he does well.
Another factor may also have to do with the continuity of Koeman as he’s entering the final year of his contract. Depay has said that he wants to play for Koeman and reiterated that sentiment in a recent interview.
One of the reasons the club has agreed to this condition is as a sort of reward for the player’s patience. As mentioned, not only was he a target before the start of last season but during the winter transfer window as well. In neither scenario could a deal be reached.
Depay has also made it known that he wants to play at Barcelona and has snubbed the advances of other clubs such as Juventus, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
A deal for the 27-year-old has been imminent for a while now and this latest step brings it that much closer. An agreement is likely set to come sooner rather than later.