Memphis Depay has broken his silence after his move to Barcelona was scrapped at the 11th hour on transfer deadline day. The Lyon striker was on the verge of signing for Barca on Monday but the move was pulled due to a lack of funds.
Depay was set to become Barca’s marquee summer signing on Monday.
The striker was Ronald Koeman’s top target in the final stages of the transfer window following the departure of Luis Suarez.
Lyon continued to play hardball until just days before the window shut, with a £25million deal finally being agreed between the two clubs on deadline day.
However, Barca still had to sell players before they could sign Depay, with Ousmane Dembele set to depart.
Memphis Depay opens up on failed Barcelona transfer after Man Utd decision ended move (Image: GETTY)
The winger was in talks with Manchester United over a late move, but the move fell through after Dembele opted to stay at the Nou Camp and refused to sign a new contract at Barca.
That decision meant Barca couldn’t afford Depay, with the Dutchman stuck at Lyon until January at the earliest.
And the forward admitted on Wednesday that he was upset to see the move fall through.
Depay is set to to push for a move once the January window opens, and admitted he wanted to focus on Lyon while he’s still at the Ligue 1 side.
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“We don’t have to go into all the details, but indeed we were nearly done.
“Unfortunately, certain rules stopped it.
“I believe that everything in my life happens for a reason. If it has to happen, it will happen.”
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