Memphis Depay 'will sign for Barcelona' only if Ronald Koeman stays

Memphis Depay ‘will sign for Barcelona this summer… but only if Ronald Koeman remains in charge, with Lyon star keen on a reunion with under-pressure former Dutch coach’

  • Memphis Depay is believed to have agreed terms to join Barcelona this summer
  • However the striker will only do so if Ronald Koeman remains in charge at club
  • The 27-year-old played under the Dutchman for the national side for two years
  • Depay would arrive on a free transfer as Barcelona focus on cheap recruitment

Memphis Depay has reportedly agreed a deal to join Barcelona this summer, but only if Ronald Koeman remains as manager at the Nou Camp.

The Lyon forward was heavily linked with a move to Spain at the start of this season, as he entered the final year of his contract.

However, while he stayed in France for the current campaign, he has not signed a new deal at Lyon and will leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent.

Memphis Depay has reportedly agreed terms to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer

However, it is believed he will only join the Spanish giants if Ronald Koeman remains in charge

According to Marca, Depay has reached an agreement to sign for Barcelona, but he will only do so on the condition that the club do not replace Koeman as boss.

The Dutch manager was in charge of the national side between 2018 and 2020 and a key reason for Depay wanting to join Barcelona is to reunite with Koeman.

While they suffered a dreadful start to the season, the Spanish giants’ form has improved in recent months to ease pressure on the man who took over at the start of the season.

Depay played under Koeman for two years while the Dutchman managed the national side

However, a 0-0 draw with league leaders Atletico Madrid and then a 3-3 draw with Levante on Tuesday night have effectively ended Barcelona’s hopes of La Liga glory this season with two games remaining.

That along with a disappointing round of 16 exit in the Champions League to PSG means that club president Joan Laporta is believed to be considering Koeman’s future at the club.

The Dutchman has a contract through until the end of next season, but it remains to be seen whether he will get the chance to see the second year of his deal.

Sergio Aguero could join his Argentine team-mate Lionel Messi at Barcelona on a free transfer

What happens with Koeman’s future will have a significant impact on Depay’s, who has enjoyed a superb season for Lyon.

The 27-year-old has scored 19 league goals and provided 10 assists, helping Lyon to currently sit fourth in Ligue 1, six points off Lille at the top and just three points behind PSG in second. 

Barcelona’s difficult financial situations means that the opportunity to sign Depay on a free transfer is an appealing one.

The expected arrival of Manchester City’s Eric Garcia also on a free this summer, as well as a rumoured move for his out-of-contract teammate Sergio Aguero, shows the club’s need to recruit as smartly, and as cheaply, as possible. 




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