So far in the transfer window, Barcelona have spent close to nothing to secure the services of exciting players like Sergio Agüero, Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal. Even if they disappointingly lost out in the race to sign Georginio Wijnaldum, the imminent arrival of Memphis Depay will be accepted as a worthy atonement.
Memphis Depay has an agreement in principle to become a Barcelona player. Photo Credits: Twitter/ B/R Football
Barcelona have been linked with the former Manchester United player since last summer, and now they are close to getting him on their books, just for free, after the player left Olympic Lyon, at the end of his contract this summer.
Ronald Koeman speaking in an interview on Barcelona’s move for Memphis Depay: “The deal is almost done. Not signed yet, but it’s almost completed. I strongly wanted to sign him for a long time.”
It is also believed that Koeman is one of the big factors that prompt Depay to choose Barcelona. Depay had said: “The transfer will be clear after. We just need to wait for it to come.
“Everyone knows I have been linked to Barcelona in the last period, let’s just wait for it to come and the news will be done when it is.”
Barcelona will now have the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Agüero, Antonie Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite in attack next season. Exciting prospects that are bound to cause manager, Ronald Koeman dilemma.
Now that it is certain Messi is staying, Ronald Koeman has said recently: “We are working on building a competitive team, one that will be much stronger than previous seasons. Messi has to finish his career at Barcelona, so I hope we can make it official soon.”
Fitting in four to five players, that could start in any team in a three man frontline would be demanding of any manager and Koeman will be wary, not to get on the bad side of the fans, due to his preferred starting men.
Of course Lionel Messi’s place is certain. Antonie Griezmann has also been fantastic towards the ending of last season and no club will want an investment of around £120m on the bench, not to speak of when he is been delivering.
Memphis Depay has also been unplayable. He was the one of the stand out performers in Ligue un last season, contributing 20 goals and 12 assists in 37 league games. Now on duty with The Netherlands, he has three goals in as many games, including one further assist, while also contributing a lot to team plays. He is a man on form, and deserve to start any day.
And Sergio Agüero, even if he has been plagued by injuries recently, he showed what he is capable of doing in his last game in the Premier League, coming on as a second half substitute and bagging a brace, he could be as good as any striker in the world on his day. And when fit, he should be considered a starter.
Ousmane Dembele is another player who arrived to Barcelona on a huge fee from Borussia Dortmund. Even if things has not really gone as planned with the Frenchman, his talent is there to see, and considering he is younger, it is imperative to protect him as he could be the one for the future.
Ronald Koeman will have difficult decisions to make in the Barcelona attack next season. Photo Credits: Twitter/ B/R Football
Martin Braithwaite is another one on the list. Though, he could be the one who suffers the most and for his good should be on the move before the season commence. He is never a Barcelona type player and his signing caused upset with the fan-base, and the time seems to have come for his departure.
Not forgetting, Barcelona also have Ansu Fati, Who has really impressed before his long term injury. His return will be another conundrum for Koeman, but it is all excitement for the Barcelona fans, who will believe they have good options in their attack.
As happy as the Dutch tactician will be for having several talented attackers to choose from, he is sure to be put in a difficult situation. The fans will have their favourites, but in a situation where you can’t tell exactly which player is better, not all will be good with your picks.
The ball is in Ronald Koeman’s court and eyes will be on him and his preferred starting XI when the season gets underway. But no matter who he chooses, there are bound to be questions, and he should be prepared for a hectic season to come.
Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
