(June 8, 2019 – Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
As a new coach takes reigns at FC Barcelona in Ronald Koeman, changes are expected within the Catalan club. The Dutch coach has a big task ahead and has started working for the upcoming season.
The latest name on the table is Lyon striker, Memphis Depay. According to RAC1, the Catalan team is interested in the dutch player and wants to bring him to Camp Nou. The former Manchester United man played under Koeman at the Netherlands national team and is highly rated by the Dutch manager. The 26-year-old striker has netted 6 goals in the Champions League this season. He has a contract with Lyon until 2021 and his transfer value is estimated at 35 million euros, per Transfermarkt
In his first press conference as the Barça head coach, Koeman made it clear that he counts on young players for the first-team and there will be some departures, reportedly including some of the heavyweights in the squad. According to Catalunya Radio, the likes of Luis Suárez, Ivan Rakitic, and Samuel Umtiti are not in Koeman’s plans for the upcoming season and will be free to leave for a new journey. With regards to some of the other starters, such as Piqué, Alba, and Busquets, the 57-year-old wants to meet them before making any decision.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian club Lazio is interested in Barça midfielder Rafinha, who played on loan at Celta last season. At Lazio, per the same report, they believe that the Brazilian could be a great addition to the squad for the next season, as the player knows Serie A well, while he played on loan at Inter. The final decision on the player will be made by the Blaugranas in the next few days.
