Barca face Juve’s competition in pursuit of Memphis Depay

Juventus have joined FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in the pursuit of Olympique Lyon attacker Memphis Depay, who is available for a cut-price in January.

According to reports from Italian news outlet Tuttosport, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Juventus have set their sights on another soon-to-be free agent in Memphis Depay. The Italian outfit are hoping to take advantage of the Olympique Lyon star’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, but they will face competition from Barcelona and PSG.

Depay was heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona in the summer, though the move failed to materialise, with the player ending up remaining at the club. OL, however, are now open to selling their star player in the upcoming January transfer window as they attempt to prevent him from leaving for free in the summer.

read also:Lyon set deadline for Depay’s departure

Reports in French media already suggests that Depay could be available for as low as €5 million. It is an insanely low fee for a player, who has enjoyed a remarkable spell at Lyon since joining the club back in 2017.

Indeed, the 26-year-old has made over 150 competitive appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, scoring 62 goals and providing 47 assists. His contributions in front of goal have been critical in helping OL retain themselves as one of the top dogs of French football as well as guiding them to a remarkable run in the Champions League last term.

Depay’s performances have not only been restricted to just domestic football either as the ex-Manchester United star has also re-established himself as a vital asset to the Dutch national side. In fact, it is his relationship with former Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman that makes him such an appealing target for Barcelona.

Barcelona have lacked strength in their depth this season, especially in the attacking department. Injuries to key wingers Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele have already made that quite obvious so far. Depay, in that regard, could emerge as an ideal alternative to struggling first-team superstars like Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho, who could depart next month.

But with Juventus joining the race to sign the Olympique Lyon forward, Barcelona must be swift in their attempts to secure his services, although it remains likely that the Blaugrana should have the upper hand due to the player’s relationship with Koeman.