Barcelona in talks with Memphis Depay

Barcelona have opened talks with Lyon forward Memphis Depay over a move to the Nou Camp this summer.

Depay, 27, is out of contract with Ligue 1 side Lyon this summer and there has been no breakthrough on a new deal despite Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas’s previous confidence that they would keep their prized asset.

Barcelona will be looking to strengthen ahead of next season after a limp finish to this campaign that has seen them miss out on the La Liga title for the second season running.

Depay will have a number of suitors chasing his signature and if you’re looking to place a wager on his next club be sure to check out Max Free Bets first. Their site features all of the best betting offers and free bets from the top online bookmakers.

The Dutch international has a close relationship with Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman from their time working together with the national side. However, with Koeman’s future still unclear, it remains to be seen how that situation could impact negotiations.

Depay has recently revealed that he will be representing himself this summer in negotiations with clubs. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne did the same as he signed a new contract with the Premier League champions earlier this year.

“It is time for me to take control of my career,” he wrote on Twitter. 

“As I have come to a point where I need to make important choices about my future, I have decided to negotiate my future deals together with my team of trusted confidants, backed by legal experts.

“I will decide about my destination myself. You will be the first to know.”

Following a difficult 18 months at Manchester United, Depay revitalised his career in France after signing in January 2017. He has gone on to score 75 goals in 176 games for Lyon in all competitions, though he hasn’t won any silverware during his four-and-a-half seasons at the club.

Barcelona are also linked with Depay’s international and former PSV Eindhoven teammate Georginio Wijnaldum, who is also out of contract this summer. Wijnaldum has been unable to agree a new contract with Liverpool and looks likely to be heading for the exit door.

It could well be a hat-trick of free signings for Barcelona this summer, whose financial problems have been well documented over recent times. Sergio Aguero will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season and Barcelona are reportedly in pole position to sign the Argentina international, who scored 74 goals in 175 La Liga appearances for Atletico Madrid before moving to England.