90min

Barcelona Target Memphis Depay Refuses to Commit Future to Lyon

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Depay could be on his way to Barcelona at the end of the season
Depay could be on his way to Barcelona at the end of the season / Xavier Laine/Getty Images
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Memphis Depay has refused to commit his future to Lyon with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Depay was Barcelona's number one target in the summer with the Blaugrana attempting to free up the funds for a transfer right up until transfer deadline day. In the end, no agreement could be reached, forcing him to stay put at Lyon.

Depay has made a solid start to the season, registering 10 goal involvements in 14 games and helping Les Gones to second in the Ligue 1 table.

Lyon have emerged as potential title winners this campaign
Lyon have emerged as potential title winners this campaign / Xavier Laine/Getty Images

However, Rudi Garcia is likely to be without his talisman and captain next season as his contract is set to expire in June.

"To be honest, we have a great team here. I don't know what will happen next year. I'm an OL player, the captain, and I'm here to win things, games and be important for the team. This is my main goal," he said (via Goal).

"If I start thinking about my future, I might lose my focus. I am 100 per cent with OL. What will happen in the future, we'll see. That's what I've always said.

"I can't say anything about [Barcelona]. I'm here now, a lot of clubs might be interested."

Depay remains keen on a move to the Camp Nou, although it is unclear whether Barca would sanction a deal. The club are currently in crisis both on and off the field. Financially, the coronavirus pandemic has hit them particularly hard and they finally reached an agreement with the squad over a second wage cut recently.

There is also a presidential election scheduled for January, following the resignation of the much maligned Josep Maria Bartomeu last month. On the pitch, Barca are similarly struggling. They have already lost four La Liga games this season and are nine points adrift of early leader Real Sociedad.