Ronald Koeman ‘recommends Memphis Depay to Barcelona board’ as new boss looks to make shock swoop for Lyon star
- Memphis Depay scored 15 goals for Ligue 1 side Lyon during the 2019/20 season
- The Netherlands international joined Lyon from Manchester United in 2017
- Donny van de Beek and Georginio Wijnaldum have been linked with Barcelona
- But new boss Ronald Koeman has also recommended Depay to the club’s board
New Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has recommended former Manchester United winger Memphis Depay to the club’s board as a potential recruit this summer, according to reports in Spain.
The 26-year-old scored 15 goals and recorded two assists for Lyon during the 2019/20 season and recovered from a serious knee injury to form part of the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals.
Ajax star Donny van de Beek and Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum have also been linked with a move to the Camp Nou, but RAC1 claim their compatriot Depay now also features as a shock name on a list of potential targets.
Ronald Koeman has recommended Lyon forward Memphis Depay to the Barcelona board
Former Netherlands boss Koeman became the new boss of Barcelona earlier this week
The forward was an essential part of the Netherlands side managed by Koeman until he was announced as Quique Setien’s replacement at the club earlier this week, and with 10 goals in 18 games he is now reportedly his former manager’s primary target in attack this summer.
The 26-year-old has also developed into the star attacking player at Lyon – netting 53 goals in 136 appearances after a torrid time at Manchester United.
He scored just seven goals in 53 appearances for the Old Trafford club before joining the Ligue 1 side in 2017.
Depay, 26, thrived up front under the former Everton boss for the Netherlands national side
Depay was part of the Lyon side in 2019/20 that reached the Champions League semi-finals
Barcelona too may need a new forward this summer if Luis Suarez does depart the club, with former side Ajax heavily linked.
Depay is also set to depart Lyon after they failed to claim a European spot next season despite their excellent Champions League run.
Memphis has a contract until 2021 with the French side and reportedly has an asking price of £49million (€55m), which could be lowered due to the lack of time left on his deal.
Barcelona are also said to be chasing fellow Dutchman Donny van de Beek from Ajax
