FOOTBALL – OL Mercato: Koeman with strong support for Depay
Long announced at Barça, Memphis Depay could finally settle down in Catalonia this summer. The Spanish press say Ronald Koeman still has a crush on the OL striker and has a lot of backing.
Koeman dubbed by the socios and Laporta
With Joan Laporta’s recent election as Barca presidency, Ronald Koeman’s future looked somewhat in jeopardy. Some Iberian newspapers indeed indicated that the new president of Barça wanted to bring a little freshness to the bench. The names of Xavi Hernandez, Julian Nagelsmann and Mikel Arteta have notably circulated for the succession of the Dutchman. But as Mundo Deportivo indicates, the former Oranje manager is on course to keep his job. The new Blaugrana boss is said to be particularly satisfied with Koeman’s work. Like Laporta, the supporters are pushing to keep the Batavian on the Barcelona bench. A survey carried out among 11,500 people by the Catalan newspaper proves it. 90.2% of those questioned wish to continue with Quique Sétien’s successor.
Depay expected at Camp Nou this summer
Comforted by its president and the socios, Ronald Koeman would already prepare the next transfer window for Barça. The 57-year-old technician hopes to finally welcome Memphis Depay with open arms. The versatile Dutch striker is at the end of his contract with Olympique Lyonnais. The 27-year-old will leave OL as a free player after refusing all of Jean-Michel Aulas‘ overtime offers. According to the Catalan media, only a departure of Koeman could prevent the signing of Depay to FC Barcelona this summer. In his last year with Lyon, the former Mancunian is fighting for the title of champion of France. The Lyon captain has 14 goals and 9 assists in 29 Ligue 1 games in the current campaign.
