Houllier: Depay is happy at Lyon but so was Abidal

David Lynch

• Updated: 17 May 2021 22:26 BST
• 2 min read

Lyon could be powerless to stop Memphis Depay from joining Barcelona in January, Gerard Houllier has admitted.

The Dutch forward became a top summer target of former international boss Ronald Koeman following his Camp Nou appointment.

Barca ultimately failed to get a deal over the line, but are reportedly ready to return for Depay when the transfer window reopens in two months’ time.

And former Liverpool and France boss Houllier, who now serves as an advisor to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, has conceded that the club’s hand could be forced.

• Tottenham statement fuels Kane departure talk as Man Utd and Chelsea circle

“We will do everything we can to keep him, but it’s very possible that… it’s football and we’ll see,” he told Telefoot.

“If his performances are like they were before the injury it’s likely other clubs will come in, but I think that Barca appreciate him a lot.

“Depay is happy in Lyon but Abidal was too and he went to Barca.”