Memphis Depay: Barcelona target’s 2020/21 statistics

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona have long been linked with a move for Lyon’s Memphis Depay, having failed to land the Dutchman in the summer.

Barca boss Ronald Koeman utilised Depay as a centre-forward during their time together with the Netherlands national team. Koeman, therefore was keen to team up with the player again this season, given Luis Suarez’s departure from Camp Nou.

Depay recovered from a serious ACL injury in the 2019/20 season but has recovered well and has made an excellent start to the new season despite Lyon’s general struggles.

The 26-year-old has five goals and three assists so far this season in 513 minutes of Ligue 1 football, leading to a contribution P90 of 1.4. This is more than decent. However three of his goals were penalties, meaning his non-pen contribution falls to 0.89.

He has a healthy shots P90 total of 4.0, with 1.6 on target and his conversion rate is 22%.

The question for Barcelona would be – where does he fit? The Spanish giants already have Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati competing for four starting berths. Youngsters Pedri and Francisco Trincao are vying for position, too. Throw in Martin Braithwaite and that’s eight players for roughly four positions. Does adding a ninth make sense and is there where Barca even need backup?

Depay being out of contract soon. Lyon’s acceptance that he will leave does leave a talented player available for a reasonably cheap price – roughly £25m. But it seems like Barca are trying to solve a problem that doesn’t necessarily exist.