Koeman confirms Depay has 'almost' signed for Barcelona

Martin Macdonald

Updated: 17 Jun 2021 08:59 BST

© ProShots - No Neymar, no problem: Depay will save Barcelona from more debt

Memphis Depay is almost a Barcelona player, according to head coach of the Blaugrana Ronald Koeman.

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The Dutchman has not signed an extended contract with Lyon which will allow him to move for free this summer with the French outfit not receiving any fee.

Since Koeman took over he made Depay one of his primary transfer targets and has been campaigning for the club to sign his compatriot for a year.

Depay successful rebuilt his reputation in France after a disappointing period with Manchester United in the Premier League.

In the 2020/21 campaign for Lyon he scored 22 goals and recorded 12 assists in 36 starts in all competitions.

This week, he would confirm the move to Barcelona, saying:

“Everyone knows my name has been linked with Barcelona for some time. I want to play for Ronald Koeman.

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A post shared by Memphis Depay (@memphisdepay)

“Be patient and the news will come. We have to wait, but I would say that it will definitively be completed.”

Koeman, too, has now confirmed the deal is close.

“Memphis has said something about its future and I can confirm it." The Barcelona boss said at Groningen's 50th anniversary celebrations.

"As far as I know it is well on its way. Not yet signed, but almost. I wanted to get it in January and if he comes now it's great for us ”

Everyone knows my name has been linked with Barcelona for some time. I want to play for Ronald Koeman

Wijnaldum's failed move

As well as Depay, Koeman asked the club to sign another Dutchman in Georginio Wijnaldum, whose contract at Liverpool was not extended.

Over the past year it seemed that he would end up at Barcelona, but at the 11th hour Paris Saint-Germain swooped in with a more lucrative deal.

According to Koeman, Wijnaldum opted for Paris due to the current financial instability of Barcelona currently.

“I spoke with Gini about his signing and he ultimately made a decision," he revealed.

"It had to do with the situation of Barcelona."

Barca have already confirmed three signings this summer already - Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia from Manchester City and Emerson Royal from Real Betis.