Barcelona transfer news: January move for Memphis Depay ruled out by Lyon president

As January transfer window approaches, Memphis Depay transfer buzz returns with Dutch forward linked with a move to Barcelona in January. However, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has stated that Memphis Depay will t be leaving club in winter window, despite growing interest from Barcelona.

Barcelona are widely expected to be interested in signing attacker in January after a move last month broke down on deadline day due to club’s finances. With Memphis Depay going into final months of his contract in France, Barcelona could table a cut-price offer. However, Aulas has claimed that Depay will finish season with Lyon. 

Barcelona transfer news: Winter move for Depay unlikely

Memphis Depay has been in fine touch, having netted 11 goals across his last 18 matches for Dutch national side. former Man United winger has also developed into main man at Lyon, netting 58 goals in 145 appearances, including four in seven outings to date this campaign.

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Depay started his career at PSV Eindhoven but endured a tough stint at Manchester United across 18 months before moving to Lyon in January 2017.  Catalan giants, on or hand, are looking to step up ir efforts to sign 26-year-old especially since Ansu Fati has been ruled out for four months with a knee injury.

"Memphis is an exceptional player. It is him who is pulling club, along with a number of or players, I was first to say he would t go to Barcelona. From start, I told you, y (Depay and co) will t leave because, in a year when we were unfairly deprived of European competition, we absolutely have to make a success of season. So, he will stay," Aulas said in an interview with RMC.

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Memphis Depay enjoying fine 2020/21 season in Ligue 1

Memphis Depay has set up 35 league goals since his Lyon debut on January 22, 2017, level with Ángel Di María for most in division in that time. Mbappé (110) is only player to have been involved in more goals than Dutchman (83) in same timeframe.

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Barcelona transfer news: Blaugrana looking at Ndombele to bolster midfield

According to reputed football journalist Fabrizio Roma, Barcelona are planning a move for Tanguy Ndombele next summer. Tottenham were reportedly willing to listen to offers for French midfielder in summer. However, Ndombele just about forced himself into Mourinho's plans for season. 

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Im credits: Ronald Koeman, OL Instagram