La Liga winger’s agent confirms player’s desire to join Barcelona: “Likes the idea”

Pini Zahavi, the agent of Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco, has confirmed that talks are going on about a possible swap deal involving the Belgian international and Barcelona striker Memphis Depay.

The Dutch forward has emerged as the top target for Atletico, following the departures of Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha. But talks with Barcelona have not gone smoothly as the Catalans have been demanding Carrasco in exchange as part of the deal.

So, even though there is said to be an agreement with Depay, the transfer operation has not progressed, although recent reports suggested that Rojiblancos will demand a player-plus-cash deal if they are to let Carrasco join the Blaugrana.

Now, the winger’s agent, Zahavi has confirmed the situation, as he said (h/t DH): “We are talking. The plan is to exchange Yannick for Depay. It’s not concrete yet, I don’t know if it can work, but negotiations are ongoing.”

Further confirming reports of Carrasco wanting to join Barcelona, Zahavi added: “Yannick likes this idea and he’s a good player.”

As Zahavi revealed, there is nothing concrete with regard to the transfer operation and there is no certainty that it will go through. But both teams are working to strike an agreement.

As iterated earlier, Atletico would want an additional transfer fee apart from Depay if they are to allow Carrasco to join Barcelona. However, the La Liga leaders wish for it to be a direct swap deal without any money being involved.

So, it remains to be seen how the talks progress between the two arch-rivals and whether Depay and Carrasco end up swapping clubs before the January transfer window slams shut.