Why has Memphis only signed a two-year deal with Barcelona?

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 22 Jun 2021 10:14 BST

Barcelona forward Memphis Depay insists that he's "happy" with the length of his contract at the Camp Nou.

Depay only signed a two-year deal to join the Catalan giants from Lyon, with many expecting the contract to be far longer.

The forward, who has scored two goals for his country at the ongoing European Championships, scored 76 goals and assisted 54 in 178 games for Lyon after joining the French club from Manchester United.

Depay was seen as the next big thing upon arrival at Old Trafford and was even handed the famous number seven shirt. However, things didn't quite work out, and a move to France was necessary to kickstart his career.

His move to Barcelona had been in the works for a while, but it was finally announced on 19 June.

When asked why the deal was only until 2023, he replied to NOS.

"We did that with the lawyers and with Barca, we were both happy with that.

"Of course it is a dream to play for such a big club. My career has had some ups and downs, I've had good and less good moments.

"I've tried to fight back and that it's now being paid off shows to me that you have to keep fighting and keep believing in yourself. I am proud of that and it's something I will focus on after my holiday."

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Barcelona are currently in a terrible state financially so there is a real possibility that this played a major factor in the deal being only for two years.

Where will Depay fit in at Barcelona?

After scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 in all competitions last season, Depay will expect a starting berth, but with Sergio Aguero, Ansu Fati, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, and potentially Lionel Messi to compete with, Depay may have to be patient.

However, he will take solace in the fact that other than Messi, no Barcelona player could match his tally of goal contributions from 2020/21.

The player also crucially enjoys a good working relationship with compatriot Ronald Koeman as the pair worked together with the Netherlands.