Involved in Lyon’s last three goals, Memphis Depay confirms that it is still part of the Lyon project … at least until the winter transfer window. Because the idea of joining Barcelona continues to trot in his head.
All smiles last Sunday in Strasbourg for the 7th day of Ligue 1 (3-2), the Dutchman evacuated doubts by sending three assists, offering the Lyonnais their first success since the end of August.
But while a major duel against Monaco looms at home on Sunday (9:00 p.m.), the remarkable performance of the OL captain continued to catch the eye of Barça and his new coach Ronald Koeman, fueling a soap opera that has lasted since summer despite the close of the transfer market in early October.
Depay, the irregular
This summer, Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu warned OL boss Jean-Michel Aulas that the Catalan club would not have the means to obtain the transfer of Memphis, at the end of the contract on June 30. Especially since the Spanish League has vetoed it for financial reasons.
But in the meantime, Depay (26) must confirm his return to the forefront after his right knee operation in December 2019. He must also make people forget the image of an irregular player that has stuck to him since he was in Lyon , he who is capable of delivering very good matches, scoring incredible goals, or being totally non-existent.
Crisis at Barça
Depay has always considered Lyon as a springboard to go one day “In a bigger club”. But is his future really in Barcelona, entangled in an internal crisis since the start of 2020? The 8-2 rout against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final on August 14 and the abortive departure of Lionel Messi only worsened the situation.
Currently targeted by a motion of no confidence, Bartomeu could be dismissed before the end of his mandate which ends in the summer of 2021 … If this is not the case, elections will then be organized to choose his successor in mid-March 2021 .
Koeman could bear the brunt of a change in leadership, as it is customary for the new president to change the management to start afresh. Several candidates want to name ex-Camp Nou legend Xavi Hernandez as future coach, a position he refused in January.
If Koeman were ousted, Memphis Depay would then see his chances of joining prestigious Barça fade away. All the more reason to continue to shine in the Rhône. Starting with tonight, against Monaco.
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