Transfer Centre

Barcelona 'make Memphis Depay decision after reaching Robert Lewandowski agreement'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 July 2022

Barcelona 'make Memphis decision after reaching Lewandowski agreement'

Barcelona place Memphis Depay on the transfer list after reaching an agreement with Bayern Munich for Robert Lewandowski, according to a report.

Barcelona have reportedly decided to place Memphis Depay on the transfer list after reaching an agreement with Bayern Munich for the transfer of Robert Lewandowski.

The Catalan giants have now allegedly agreed a deal to sign Lewandowski from the Bundesliga champions, with the Poland international saying goodbye to his teammates on Saturday morning.

Barcelona will reportedly pay an initial €45m (£38.3m) to sign the centre-forward, which could rise to €50m (£42.5m) when taking into account performance-based add-ons.

Lewandowski will head to Barcelona on Sunday to undergo his medical with the Catalan outfit, and according to Sport, his arrival will see Memphis being placed on the transfer list.

The report claims that Xavi's side have placed a valuation of €20m (£17m) on the Netherlands international, with his contract at Camp Nou due to expire next June.

Barcelona's Memphis Depay on September 14, 2021 © Reuters

The 28-year-old, who moved to Camp Nou on a free transfer last year, scored 13 times and contributed two assists in 38 appearances for his Catalan club last term.

However, Raphinha has arrived to boost the attack this summer, while Ousmane Dembele has also re-signed after initially leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of June.

Lewandowski's arrival will hand Xavi a number of options in the final third of the field, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati also options for next season.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have both been credited with an interest in Memphis this summer, with the North London giants both thought to be open to bringing him back to the Premier League.

"I came here wanting to play for the team. I want to be important for the team next year and for several more years," Memphis told reporters when questioned on his future towards the end of last season.

Memphis Depay in action for the Netherlands in October 2021 © Reuters

The forward scored 12 times and registered two assists in 28 La Liga appearances last term, with his form particularly impressive in the first half of the campaign.

However, he struggled with hamstring and Achilles issues last term, and he found it difficult to secure regular starts after Torres, Aubameyang and Adama Traore moved to Camp Nou in January.

There have been suggestions that Memphis is prepared to see out the final year of his contract at Barcelona even if he is told that he is surplus to requirements.

The Dutchman scored 76 goals and registered 55 assists in 178 appearances for Lyon before making the move to Camp Nou, while he has also played for PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United during his professional career.