FC Barcelona has confirmed the arrival of Memphis Depay as the fourth signing of the summer. The Dutch player arrives at the Catalan club on a free transfer and has signed a two-year deal until 2023. Depay’s contract with the French side Olympique Lyon will come to an end on June 30.
🇳🇱 Welcome to the blaugrana family 💙❤️#MemphisCuler pic.twitter.com/AGg6T6Mi2O
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 19, 2021
The Dutch striker was heavily linked to Barcelona since last summer after the arrival of Ronald Koeman. Depay had worked with Koeman at the Dutch national team. Koeman wanted the player since last summer as Depay was his talisman at the national team and shared a great relationship with him. The two will be reunited at Barcelona as the club had previously confirmed that Koeman will continue as head coach next season.
Depay has been playing for Lyon since 2017 and has been one of the best players in the Ligue 1 in the last three seasons. The 27-year-old was brilliant this season as he was the second-highest top scorer in the French league, scoring 20 times and setting up 12 goals in 37 appearances. Depay is more than just a striker as he can slot in number ten and left-wing roles. His versatility can be a huge asset for the Blaugrana.
The former Manchester United player’s form in the Dutch national team is also impeccable as he has 27 goals and 23 assists to his name in 66 games. If we look at the financial situation of Barcelona then it’s a pretty great signing as his salary at Lyon was £4,524,000 per year and his wages at the club would be fairly less than his new clubmates. (Stats courtesy: Transfermarkt)
Depay will be the third free agent to arrive at Barcelona. They have already confirmed the signings of Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia from Manchester City on free transfers. The club also exercised a buy-back clause worth £9 million Brazilian to sign Emerson from Real Betis. However, the Spanish club missed out on Georgino Wijnaldum who agreed to join the club, but PSG hijacked the deal at the very last moment by offering him much higher wages.