Memphis Depay is ‘very close’ to signing for Barcelona, reports Sport on Thursday.
The versatile forward’s contract at Lyon runs down at the end of this month and he’s confirmed his decision to leave the Ligue 1 side.
Barca were the frontrunners to take the Netherlands international on a free transfer, but there were concerns over completing the deal due to the uncertainty around Ronald Koeman’s future.
The Catalan club’s failure to win the title saw them linked with a handful of managers, even before the completion of the 2020/21 season.
Recent reports have indicated Barcelona president Joan Laporta has decided to continue with the former Everton manager next season. His stay at the Camp Nou was vital for the 27-year-old to join the La Liga side.
The negotiations between Depay and Barca are ‘practically closed, pending the ratification of Ronald Koeman as Blaugrana coach’. Once this is done, the attacker’s arrival should be announced as early as next week.
Depay will sign a three-year deal, which will have a ‘low release clause’ and a ‘more objective affordable salary’. He rejected better offers from Lyon and Juventus in order to join Barcelona.
The player’s determination to play for the Spanish side saw him cut ties with his agent. Depay remains convinced Barca are the right club for him to ‘explode in Europe’ and also win important trophies.
Sport’s report points out that Koeman’s continuity would make Depay’s arrival at Barcelona a mere formality.
