Transfers

Rudi Garcia: I will drive Memphis to Barcelona myself

The Dutchman looks set to leave Lyon this summer and his coach believes a player of his quality should always compete for the Champions League

 
12:34pm on Sunday 6th September 2020
By
Paul Macdonald

Lyon boss Rudi Garcia has heaped praise on forward Memphis Depay, claiming that a player of his quality deserves to be competing for the Champions League and 'would drive him there myself'.

Lyon are without Champions League football for the forthcoming season, and despite a run to the tournament semi-finals, knocking out Manchester City on the way, it it thought that a number of first-team players may become available.

Depay has only recently returned from a serious cruciate ligament, but Ronald Koeman, who coached the forward at international level with the Netherlands, is known to be a huge admirer.

Speaking to Telefoot, Garcia seemed resigned to losing his star forward, saying: "Depay is a top player, a fantastic footballer, [one] who has just returned from a cruciate ligament operation. If he stays with us, we will be a much stronger team.

"If Memphis, like many other players in my squad, and there are quite a few, has the opportunity to play in a team that has been built to win the Champions League, I would drive him to Barcelona myself."

Garcia added, however, that the situation at Barcelona may not be so clear cut that there is a path to the team for Depay.

He added: "They are talking about the interest in signing Memphis, but they also remember that Luis Suarez has not yet rescinded his contract with Barcelona.

"And a few days ago we discussed the departure of a small left-hander who, finally, remains in the Barca team. There is no space to incorporate another player."

Barcelona seem confident in securing Depay for a fee in the region of €25m, and they remain interested in Georginio Wijnaldum from Liverpool.

READ MORE:

Messi's Barcelona divorce now destined to end badly

Bartomeu didn't keep his promise - Messi confirms reluctant Barca stay

What is Lionel Messi's greatest ever goal?

Latest news

Sheffield United vs Fulham Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Sheffield Utd and Fulham on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 4 hours

Chelsea vs Burnley Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Chelsea and Burnley on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 5 hours

Newcastle vs West Ham Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 30/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Premier League tie between Newcastle and West Ham on Saturday, March 30th 2024.

  • 5 hours

Lille vs Lens Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the Ligue 1 tie between Lille and Lens on Friday, March 29th 2024 from the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

  • 8 hours

Cadiz vs Granada Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the La Liga Primera clash between Cadiz and Granada on Friday, March 29th 2024 from Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla.

  • 8 hours

Barnsley vs Cambridge United Predictions: Team to Win, Form, News and more 29/03/2024

Here are our predictions for the EFL League One game between Barnsley and Cambridge United on Friday, March 29th 2024.

  • 9 hours

Most read