In a recent interview with the club’s official website (transcripted by Goal.com), Olympique Lyonnais sporting director Juninho provided an update on Memphis Depay’s future amid current interest from Barcelona this summer. Juninho refused to rule out the Dutch winger’s exit this summer when he said,
“It is not planned to sell Houssem, Memphis and Moussa at the same time… The departure of the three together is not planned. [But] they attract the market.
“Memphis was unfortunately injured. We tried to extend his contract, the president did everything but he did not want to discuss during this period. In a year, he will be free.”
Depay’s Impressive Career In France
The 26-year-old has made an excellent start to this campaign after bagging a hat-trick against Dijon in the Ligue 1 towards the tail end of last month. Depay has got a decent record for Lyon after finding the back of the net 57 times and providing 43 assists in 139 matches thus far.
The Moordrecht-born wide player enjoyed a rich vein of form as an integral component of Rudi Garcia’s attack in the previous campaign based on his average of 3.7 shots, 1.9 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per game in the French top tier. However, he could improve his ball-distribution in the opposition half because he completed only 78.8% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 51-time Dutch international has proven his worth in French football, but he can expect a tougher test in Spain where he will be surrounded by other technical-gifted footballers week in week out. However, a summer switch to the Nou Camp could finally give him the platform to showcase his skills at the top level and win some major silverware in the years to come.
What Does The Netherlands International Offer On The Field?
Depay is one of the quickest wingers in the Ligue 1 and has got a good football IQ that helps him get the better of his marker in the attacking third. He possesses the strength to keep hold of the ball in tight situations and can be a prolific goal-scorer from the wide areas.
The Dutch wide player has got the eye to play a killer through-ball in and around the opponent’s penalty box but can sometimes fade in and out of games. Even then, he has the qualities to walk into any top side in Europe, but only if he can maintain his excellent standards outside France.
Should Barca Make A Move For Depay This Summer?
Depay has got less than a year remaining on his current contract at the Groupama Stadium, so Lyon will have no choice but to cash in on him or else risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season. Therefore, the Catalans can benefit from launching a cut-price move for the Dutch playmaker this summer as he will improve their attacking options significantly in the coming seasons.
With Lionel Messi prepared to stay for at least another season, Depay could potentially form a devastating attacking partnership with the Argentine as well as Antoine Griezman at the Nou Camp. At 26, Depay is currently at the right stage in his career to seek a move to a high-profile club like Barcelona in search of more glory and success.
