Lyon coach Garcia gives transfer update on Barcelona target Memphis Depay

Robin Bairner

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

Lyon head coach Rudi Garcia has indicated that he expects Memphis Depay to remain at the club through the January transfer window.

The Netherlands international star has long been linked with a move to Barcelona. Indeed, he was expected to move to Camp Nou in October, only for the move to break down at the last.

Depay has six months left on his contract with Lyon. Unlikely to sign a new deal with the club, despite their best efforts, this probably represents their last chance to get a financial return on the former Manchester United player.

Lyon, though, are in pole position in Ligue 1 and are set to retain their stars – including Depay – in a bid to dethrone Paris Saint-Germain.

“I don’t think we’ll lose him,” Garcia said when asked about Depay’s immediate future.

Memphis stays but three to go

If Memphis is set to stay put, Lyon have indicated that they will allow some players to leave in January.

“Those who need to find playing time like Camilo or Cenk Ozkacar, it would be good to offer them this chance,” Garcia said. “Jean Lucas should also be sent on loan. This would be good in France, but there are some foreign clubs also interested. The level of team he goes to will be very important – they must believe in him.”

Meanwhile, Lyon are brace for their opening match of 2021, in which they will meet Lens. Depay is liable to have a starring role to play as Karl Toko-Ekambi has tested positive for Covid-19 along with Bruno Guimaraes, while Moussa Dembele is absent due to a broken arm.

Memphis has scored eight times for OL this season and has created four more. He had been particularly effective in the spell before Christmas, netting three times in five outings as Lyon picked up 13 points from a possible 15, including a 1-0 win over PSG away from home.