Keeping Barcelona target Memphis Depay is a ‘dream’, Lyon admit

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 17:39 BST
• 3 min read

Lyon have admitted that they still “dream” of keeping Memphis Depay at the club, despite interest from Barcelona.

Depay is out of contract in June and is presently free to discuss terms with any club he chooses.

READ MORE: Barcelona target Memphis Depay moves top of Ligue 1 assist table

Barcelona have long been linked with the Netherlands star, meanwhile. They were close to signing him last term but were unable to get a deal over the line.

The Camp Nou side remain heavily linked with Depay, and as Ronald Koeman gains credit for the team’s turnaround in fortunes in recent weeks, thereby securing his own future, it is increasingly likely that the 27-year-old Netherlands star will make a switch to the club.

Lyon, though, are hopeful that does not come to pass.

“For Memphis Depay, I dream that he accepts the proposal we’ve put on the table, which is still valid,” president Jean-Michel Aulas told AFP.

“He brings so much to the team because he has been directly involved in 23 goals. Our offer will stay on the table and if we win the league, then why not?”

Lyon are presently third in Ligue 1 after a disappointing weekend draw with Reims, yet Paris Saint-Germain’s shock defeat against Nantes has given them renewed hope, even if Lille continue to top the standings three points ahead of both clubs.

Can Lyon keep Depay?

The odds of Lyon retaining Depay are, however, stacked against them. The former Manchester United star has previously indicated that he is actively interested in joining one of Europe’s largest sides again, having been something of a flop at Old Trafford.

As well as Barcelona, Juventus, Inter and Milan in Serie A have also been linked with him.

His career, however, has got back on track in Lyon, where he has scored 14 goals and laid on a further nine in Ligue 1 this season, despite fighting back from a serious knee injury. Memphis’ highlights include an opening day hat-trick against Dijon and a hat-trick of assists against Strasbourg.