Spotlight: Memphis Depay’s exceptional record with the Netherlands national team

Barcelona’s potential signing, Memphis Depay, has had a spectacular season. The Dutchman scored 20 goals and assisted 12 further in Ligue 1. He is also on an excellent run for the national team. In the past ten games for the Netherlands, he has scored 11 goals and assisted three more. During this stupendous run of form, he has also won five man-of-the-match awards. Going further back, he has contributed 33 goals (19 goals and 14 assists) in the last 32 games.

Depay has been a target for Barça for almost a year now. Multiple sources from the Catalan media have reported that after completing the signings of Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia, and Emerson Royal, Barcelona have shifted their focus towards the Dutch forward. The negotiations are progressing smoothly, and the deal could be struck soon.

Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman, has been demanding the signing of Depay since day one, given their history together with the Netherlands national team. Some reports have stated that the Olympique Lyonnais winger would sign for the Catalan club only if Koeman stays.

According to some sources, Barça have already prepared the official announcement video for the 27-year-old. If all things go as planned, he will be the fifth signing in this window, the fourth being Georginio Wjinaldum, who has already received Fabrizio Romano’s famous ‘here we go.’

Joan Laporta has adopted a very aggressive approach in this transfer window. Under his leadership, the board is also planning to meet and resolve the contractual situations of heavyweights such as Sergio Busquests, Gerard Pique, and Antoine Griezmann. The biggest talking point of these meetings will be to reduce their wages to ease the burden on the already overflowing wage bill.