Lyon forward Memphis Depay admits he was ‘pretty close’ to joining Barcelona on deadline day.
The former Manchester United winger was a target for Ronald Koeman, who managed the forward during his time as manager of the Netherlands.
Barcelona agreed personal terms with Depay as well as a fee with Lyon but their deal for the Dutchman was dependent upon raising funds through player sales.
The Catalans had hoped to do that by selling Ousmane Dembele to Manchester United but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were only keen on a loan arrangement.
Depay’s move therefore fell through, leaving the Dutchman ‘disappointed’.
But Depay says his move to Barcelona could matearlise at a later date as he believes everything happens for a reason.
‘It is going as it should, that’s how I live life’, Depay told Dutch media.
‘I have to focus on Lyon again, be important and then we’ll see how things go. Nobody can see into the future. If I just do my thing, interest will remain. Maybe it will work then. I have to switch that switch now
Asked how close the deal was to completion, Depay said: ‘Yes, it was pretty close. 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’.
The Dutchman is free to speak to other clubs from January 1st and can feasibly sign a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona that would see him move to the club on a free transfer next July.
However, Lyon are likely to cash in on the forward by putting him up for sale.
